6
of the Kangra people towards the inoculation of cattle has altered since the
method was introduced. In 1902 the writer had considerable difficulty in that
district (vide the annual report for 1902-03).
Foot-and-mouth disease—
table II.
7. The province was very free from foot-and-mouth disease dur-
ing the year under report, and no special remarks
are required. 684 animals died out of 35,982 attack-
ed.
Hæmorrhagíc
septicæ-
mia—table II.
8. This disease was reported from every district except Hissar.
As usual, it was the cause of considerable mortality,
10,894 deaths being reported. Last year 17,432 deaths
occurred. This disease is very dependent on insanitary
conditions for its existence. Its importance and some of its peculiarities
have been referred to in previous reports. No fresh knowledge has been gained
in regard to the method of infection. Many of the more minute but very
essential points in regard to the pathology of this disease are wanting and
require to be worked out in the laboratory.
Vaccination—table III.
9. Vaccinations against hæmorrhagic septicæmia were carried out
in six districts, and a special report on the method, which
is still largely experimental, was submitted to the Inspec-
tor General, Civil Veterinary Department.
Blackquarter—table II.
10. The reported cases of blackquarter were about normal, and call
for no special remarks. No extensive outbreak occurred.
No vaccinations were performed.
Anthrax—table II.
11. Only one outbreak of anthrax (in Mianwali district) was diagnosed
Several other outbreaks of suspected anthrax were
reported, but, as the diagnosis was not confirmed on
microscopical exmination, the cases were not returned as anthrax.
This disease is not easily diagnosed by veterinary assistants and since
every endeavour has been made to confirm suspected cases microscopically
very few cases are recorded. At one time hæmorrhagic septicæmia was
classed as anthrax by verterinary assistants. It is possible that they have
now gone to the opposite extreme and are prejudiced somewhat in favour
of the former disease. In any case there is ample evidence that anthrax
in cattle is not a common or at any rate a fatal disease in the Punjab.
Other contagious
dis-
-ase—table II.
12. There is nothing special to report in regard to the incidence
of other contagious disease or disease in other animals
than equines and bovines.
Tuberculosis.
A case of tuberculosis was detected in the dairy cattle at the
Central Jail, Lahore, and the herd was tested with tuber-
culine on two occasions.
Rabies.
Rabies is an anxiety. The need for repressive measures requires to be
brought to the notice of the more important munici-
palities. It is difficult to see what can be done in villages
at present. It is easier for the inhabitants of small places to take care of
themselves, and when the existence of the disease is obvious they can be
relied on to do so in most cases. In large places the position is quite
different, and the local authorities should realise their responsibilities.
Investigation of disease.
13. Major Walker attended 12 outbreaks of disease and checked
inoculation work in 15 instances. Mr. Woodley attended
outbreaks of disease in Kangra and Gurdaspur districts and
checked inoculations at eight places in the Punjab. Mr. Taylor visited three
outbreaks and checked inoculation at 19 centres. 57 specimens were received
and examined by the Chief Superintendent and 74 and 236 by the Superin-
tendents, North and South Punjab, respectively.
The members of the subordinate staff are being reminded of the necessity
of making post-mortem examinations as much as possible and of submitting
specimens to head-quarters. By this means they will be enabled to improve
their powers of diagnosis.