6
and is taught in the Segregation Ward. In addition, instruction is given in the
methods of preparing and using black-quarter vaccine and hæmorrhagic septicæmia
serum and in the application of the mallein and tuberculine tests. A separate
scientific report is now annually submitted by the officer in charge through the
Principal and Director of Agriculture, to the Inspector General, Civil Veterinary
Department, on the work done and the contagious diseases met with during the
year.
New buildings.
29. During the year, no progress has been made in certain sanctioned
buildings, viz., additions to Dissecting Room and Laboratory,
etc. With our large classes, it is easily understandable how
we are working at considerable inconvenience for the want of this extra accom-
modation, and it is hoped that another year will not be allowed to pass before these
urgent wants are supplied. The question of a hostel—a much needed addition to
this College—is, I understand, still under the consideration of Government.
Demand for veterinary
assistants.
30. The demand for the services of veterinary assistants has been con-
siderable during the year. It will be some years before the
supply can possibly equal the demand. This fact, combined
with the very large number of requests for admission, makes a strong case for the
starting of another Veterinary College in Upper India.
Indian Veterinary Jour-
nal.
31. The monthly Indian Veterinary Journal in Urdu after being allowed
to lapse for some time has, during the year, been revived in a
much improved form under the editorship of Captain Dawson
and Assistant Professor Ghulam Rasul Khan. The Journal has met with a favor-
able reception and is undoubtedly of great value in distributing progressive know-
ledge of this profession to graduates wherever they may be.
Text-books.
32. During the year, a new vernacular text-book, on therapeutics, by
Veterinary Graduate Ghulam Rasul Khan, has been intro-
duced.
Part II.—Treatment of Disease.*
Mortality, Table II.
33. During the year under report, 145,808 cases of epidemic disease were
reported of which 56,111 proved fatal. The figures for the
previous year were 59,938 cases and 15,375 deaths. This
large increase is accounted for, to some extent, by the new system of collecting
statistics which was brought into force during the previous year. In addition,
the year was particularly unhealthy for cattle owing to the excessive rainfall.
Wet seasons are favourable to the spread of epidemic disease and, when fodder
crops are destroyed by floods, cattle have less resisting power. There is a large
increase in the figures under "other contagious disease" which is partly due to
patwaris including many cases of death from natural causes under this bead. This
was not done, to the same extent, by veterinary assistants under the old system.
It is an open question if these cases should strictly be included or not as will be
shown later.—(See paragraph 52).
The method of reporting
disease and collecting
statistics.
34. The new method of reporting epidemic disease and collecting statis-
tics works well on the whole, and it is probably the best
that can be devised under present conditions, that is, in the
absence of any law making it compulsory for owners to
report certain scheduled diseases. At one time there was a good deal of delay
in the submission of the monthly returns, but this was brought to notice and
there has been some improvement latterly. Even under the present system, many
outbreaks are not reported, but with the present veterinary staff, we could deal
with no more. As a matter of fact at certain seasons postcards reporting out-
breaks are received in such numbers that, if the staff were increased fivefold, it is
doubtful if it could deal with them all.
Investigation of disease.
35. As recorded above, the officers of the department have assiduously
visited outbreaks of epidemic disease and supervised inocu-
lation work during the course of their tours. Original
investigation, except in a minor degree, is not possible when there is a large
amount of inspection work to be got through necessitating long journeys over
large areas. The inoculation work of the veterinary assistants is regularly checked
by the Inspectors and copies of inoculation returns are sent to District Officers.
*Part II to IV have been written by Captain Walker, Chief Superintendent. Civil Veterinary Department,
Punjab.