7
this done. At what depth the organism survives he is unable to say. In large
infected tracts besides rivers he recommends that cattle be kept away until the
ground becomes dry on the surface and the grass is fully ripe. To expect a
grazier to prevent cattle going to these areas before they are dried, is a great deal.
Until the people thoroughly understand the benefit of the system, vaccination
will have to be done. This method will be carried out experimentally next
year in as many places as possible. Veterinary Assistants have been informed
by lectures and circular of this method. He thinks from his experience that
it is not fly transmitted.
Table III.
14. Preventive inoculation —One thousand and forty-three animals have
been inoculated with hæmorrhagic septicæmia serum in 9
outbreaks, and 1,332 were vaccinated in 27 villages in 6
districts.
Table III.
15. Blackquarter—The mortality from this disease is normal. Until
inoculations are performed regularly, i.e. after animals
are weaned, in infected areas the mortality will not de-
crease. At the Hissar Farm this is done and the results have been good.
Deaths do occur before weaning, but not so often as after weaning. The immu-
nity lasts for six months after vaccination.
At Hissar certain jols (low-lying depressions where grass grows luxuri-
ously and keeps green for a longer time) were cleared out and burnt one year ;
the result was good and fewer cases occurred. This was done before the regu-
lar vaccination was started
Other contagious diseases.
16. There is nothing special to report.
17. Three cases of suspected tuberculosis were tested with tuberculin ;
these cows belonged to the dairy of the Central Jail, Lahore.
Investigation of diseases.
18. Information was received by the Chief Superintendent that a disease
called Phutka amongst goats in Kangra and Kulu was
devastating the flocks. Phutka is a corruption of Pharak
jana, and means instantaneous death. The disease is confined to goats, and
deaths are not sudden as the name indicates. The goats belong to a class
of people called Gaddis who are chiefly Khatris, who have settled in Kangra,
Chamba and Mandi States
The term Gaddi is derived from Gadaria, which means a shepherd. They
graze their animals over very large areas extending from Hoshiarpur, Sirmur
and Gurdaspur on the south to Lahul and Spiti on the north. They march
their sheep and goats at least five miles a day. After a great deal of difficult
marching and visiting their encampments, cases of the disease were procured.
These were sent to the Punjab Veterinary College for investigation, as the
Chief Superintendent's time was fully occupied in investigating the causes of
the disease in the field. The disease is a contagious pneumonia, and owing to
the goats being marched daily, it gives the animal very little chance of
recovery. The necessity of isolation and giving rest to diseased goats has
been fully explained, but it is a difficult matter to carry out, as Gaddis cannot
stay more than a day at a place when on the march, owing to rules and regu-
lations laid down. In this way ground becomes contaminated, and fresh
flocks passing that way are affected. The Gaddis have been told to report
when a flock is diseased, so that arrangements can be made for segregation and
rest. Before the Chief Superintendent's visit the Gaddis were so suspicious that
they would not divulge where the disease was prevalent. This suspicion has
now been overcome.
19. A great number of goats die of inanition brought about by inability
to graze on the hill-sides, owing to their being crippled by diseased feet The
disease is caused by injuries in the cleft of the foot, the injuries being followed
by abscesses. Gradually the horn of the foot sloughs and the disease extends up
the leg. The injuries, if attended in time, can be cured The Gaddis have
been advised as to treatment, dressings have been given to them, and methods
of application shown and explained.