5
Patwaris undoubtedly help the Department greatly, but cases occur
where reports should be sent in more punctually by them. This of course
again hinders the Department in dealing with disease at its commencement,
which is a very important matter.
Equines.
Table II.
3. Deaths from equine contagious disease number
71 against 59 last year. The increase is accounted for in
paragraph 5 below.
4. Glanders has again been prevalent on the Pathankot, Palampur and
Dalhousie tonga lines. Very energetic measures have been taken to put a stop
to it. During the year, at the Chief Superintendent's suggestion, veterinary
assistants have been appointed by the Indian Horse Dâk Company. A special
veterinary assistant has been appointed for detecting glanders in Kangra and
Dalhousie.
There are now two veterinary assistants, one for the Dalhousie line and
one for the Palampur line. The disease is not confined to the Indian Horse
Dâk Company's horses, as other cases have been found in the district. His
Highness the Raja of Chamba and the Superintendent of Mandi State have
been advised regarding the prevalence of the disease, and orders have been
issued to veterinary assistants at Palampur, Dehra, Hamirpur, Kangra and
Pathankot to keep a sharp look-out, as large numbers of animals from and to
these states pass along these routes. All stands (tonga and ekka) at the
different halting stages have been cleared and disinfected. Should the disease
still continue, two more veterinary assistants will be appointed to detect
cases.
In the past tahsildars have been passing animals as fit for work in
ekkas, etc. This is unsatisfactory. The Chief Superintendent considers it very
necessary that all licensed ekka and tonga animals in all the districts in the
Punjab should be examined and passed by veterinary assistants and some
responsible officer before licenses are issued. Deputy Commissioners have been
advised to have this done and again to have a quarterly inspection of the
animals. This will not only keep a check on disease, but will make owners look
after their animals more carefully and will prevent cruelty cases.
Table II.
5. Surra.—There were 25 deaths from surra as against 16 last year.
Muzaffargarh district alone accounts for the increase. The
disease is said to have been imported from Dera Ghazi
Khan.
6. Strangles as usual was prevalent. This disease shows itself during
and after fairs One or two diseased animals bring the infection either from
villages or serais, and the result is whenever a large number of animals are
collected the disease spreads. It is very difficult to prevent this. Inspections
are made of all animals and diseased ones isolated, but it is quite possible for a
case to be in the incubative period and not to show any external symptoms at
the time of entering the fair ground.
7. Tetanus, Mange and Bursatee were also prevalent.
Bovines.
Table II.
8. Rinderpest was reported from every district in the Punjab. The
mortality was 12,924 against 9,317 last year. Although the
year was not an unusually unhealthy one, the heavier
mortality can be said to be due to the fact that more inoculations should have
been performed. This, as stated before, was prevented owing to the charging
of fees, but as fees have now been withdrawn, better results will ensue.
Treatment with potass permanganas was carried out in the central
circle. Out of 159 animals so treated 130 recovered. More will be done when
opportunities occur to prove the success of this treatment.
9. The Department has been explaining to the people the absolute
necessity for isolation and nursing. In one place the Chief Superintendent