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Cattle Disease in the Madras Presidency
The Veterz"nary Journal. CATTLE DISEASE IN THE MADRAS PRESIDENCY. BY
J. MILLS, M.R.C.V.S., ARMY VETERINARY DEPART:\IENT. ( Co?Ztimted from pag-e z 56.)
Anthrax heads the list as being the most fatal malady, claiming no less than 73'40 per cent. of its victims. Variola Ovina follows, with a death-rate of 6o per cent. ; next is Rinderpest, with 59'94 per cent.; and lastly, Epizootic Aphtha, wh ich only kills 12'16 per cent.; the average for all diseases being 59·36 on the total of animals attacked. From Appendix No. 4 it would appear that disease was at its height in the months of December, 1882, and January, I 88 3, during which period there was the least rainfall, when no less than twenty districts in the former and twenty-one in the latter month were affected. This, I consider, is in a great measure due to the sudden change of [the season, from wet to dry, and the cold which prevails during these months. This conclusion will be borne out by the fact that disease began to subside as the warmer and more genial weather commenced. The most prevalent malady has been Rinderpest, which visited the Presidency no less than forty-six times ; Epizootic Aphtha follows, then comes Anthrax, which made its appearance only six times. It must be observed that the cattle disease statistics received in this office often fail to specify the nature of the disease ; hence a separate column has been opened for "Cattle disease not specified.'' I am inclined to think that the diseases comprised under this head must probably be Anthrax and Rinderpest, for these are, especially the former, difficult of detection. Educational.
It would be out of place on my part, in this paper, to give a synopsis of the curriculum through which the probationers have to pass before entering the department, but I might mention that they attend all my lectures at the Agricultural College, and, in in addition to this, they undergo a severe practical training, and particular attention is paid to instruct them in any subject in
Cattle Disease in the Madras Fres£dency.
325
which, at the monthly examinations, they are found deficient. Every precaution is taken to see that these men have a thorough knowledge of Contagious and Infectious Cattle Diseases, and the best modes of treating, arresting, and preventing them. In addition to this they are taught the use of all veterinary instruments, and to perform the most useful operations, such as castration, etc. Veterinary Hospital. This institution was opened on the rst June, 1882, and has been working most successfully ever since. The buildings consist of a surgery, class-room, dissecting-shed, stables, a large cattle-shed, and a shed for out-door classes ; also quarters for the hospital-keeper. The hospital, with instruments and drugs, are under the immediate charge of the keeper. The following books are regularly and carefully kept, viz. :r. A register in which the description, result of treatment, etc., of each patient are entered. 2. A record for entering the full particulars of cases. 3· A recipe-book wherein all medicines expended are carefully noted. 4· A clinical chart-book, in which are recorded the variations of temperature, pulse, and respirations of all cases of any interest. Up to date, 68 practical demonstrations were given, including operations and post-mortem examinations. The number of cases treated have been 118. In the pharmacy 12,0 3 7 doses of medicine for the various forms of Cattle Diseases have b een sent out to the districts. With few exceptions, the drugs employed are indigenous to India, are cheap, and can be procured locally. This is especially done for the purpose of illustrating to cattle-owners the benefits which can be derived from a judicious use of the resources they have always at hand in their own bazaars, and to prevent them, as far as possible, from pinning their faith on drugs other than those found in their own country and not always to be had. The sanitary arrangements are carried on at the hospital on the most approved scientific principles. All refuse, dressing from wounds, etc., are carefully burnt in one of my cinerators.
The Vete1'inary Journal. A considerable number of morbid specimens has been collected, prepared, and carefully set up for teaching purposes. The premises stand in a compound ten acres in extent, on the Government Experimental Farm, Saidapet, which is about five miles from the City of Madras. In the garden attached are grown a large number of feeding and medical plants-the former for the use of patients, and the latter for teaching purposes. Special attention is devoted to the cultivation of those of a poisonous nature, which are found in the presidency and likely to be eaten by cattle. The probationers are taught to distinguish them and their particular properties; also, as far as we know, their antidotes. This I find most essential, because cattle are compelled, during certain seasons, to browse on almost anything green they come across, and it is on such occasions reports are sometimes sent to me which would seem like an outbreak of Cattle Disease, but is, in reality, due to these noxious plants. Government g ives liberal encouragement to experimental research at the hospital, and among some medicinal agents sent for experimental purposes was the seed of a plant called by the natives " Rudraksham," known technically as "Elocarpus Genitras," a m ember of the natural order "Elocarpacea::." The part used medicinally is the nut. It was said to have been given with great success by an European coffee planter on the hills, in an outbreak of Rinderpest which occurred on his estate, and that the natives of those parts employ it extensively as a specific for that disease. The d ose used was the average nut, weighing about 40 grain s, finely powdered and mixed with a pint of gruel. Rudraksham-nut is regarded in a religious light by the natives, and worn by them on occasions of Divine worship. I am told that the same medicine is employed by them as a specific for epileptic fits. It being most inexpensive-a few rupees purchasing some thousands of doses-! determined to give it a trial, and therefore sent 300 powdered nuts to the districts where Rinderpest existed. Their use, however, was evidently unattended with any unusual results ; subsequently, the nuts were analysed by the Professor of Chemistry at the College, who reported them to contain a mild astringent property, but nothing more. I made
Cattle Disease in the Madras Presidency.
327
numerous experiments with them in every form and on many different animals, but found that they simply acted as a mild astringent. Therefore, I am inclined to think that the supposed attacks of Rinderpest must have been simply cases of Diarrhcea.
Slaughter-house Inspection. Among other matters forced on my notice, none seemed more worthy of attention than the inspection of slaughter-houses, and especially those of the town of Madras. Therefore, one of my first duties was to place them under proper supervision, and I foresaw, in addition to the benefit the consumers of meat would derive from this measure, that my probationers would have ample opportunities of studying the various morbid conditions incidental to Indian cattle. The principal disorders detected in slaughtered animals are Catarrhal and Eruptive Fevers; Congestion of the Lungs from overdriving (this is most frequent) ; Tape-worm ; Amphistoma Conicum ; Echinococcus V eterinorum ; CEstrus-ovis ; Strongylus Radiatus; and Tuberculosis. REilfARKS.
These fe w remarks will, I hope, prove acceptable to those who take an interest in such a subject, and may tend to illustrate still furth er the great need there is for a d epartment of this description for the whole of the Indian Empire ; and although, perhaps, the benighted Presidency may not be able to say that it is the pioneer in this matter, still I think it may claim to be the first to properly organize a Civil Veterinary Department,
WhJ' are the subordinates not Europeans and qualified men'! This can be answered in a very few words. I st. Languages.-To become thoroughly conversant with those of the Presidency would occupy years of hard study, because there are more than five dialects spoken, widely different from each other, and not as in Bengal, where Urdu and Hindustani predominate. Here one who is conversant with Tamil may go less than roo miles, when he will find himself in a district where probably nothing but Telugu, Canausi, or some other dialect is spoken.
The Veter£nary Journal. 2nd. Climate.-Few constitutions would stand the hardships which have to be undergone in exposure to sun, monsoon rain, and m;;daria ; to say nothing of the risks which have to be encountered from contagious diseases, such as Cholera, Smallpox, etc., and it must be remembered, too, that in India, epidemics and epizootics, as a rule, go hand in hand. This is at present illustrated where, in the district in which I reside, Chingleput, severe outbreaks of Cholera, Small -pox, and Anthrax are raging at the same time ; and on comparing the health returns with the cattle disease statistics, I find this fact fully borne out.
TV lty are the natives employed as subordinates ?
Expenditure.-India is not, as many people consider it, an Eldorado ; far from it; much may be received from it, but still more is required of it. The cost of employing qualified men would be great, and to be of any service a large number would be required ; whereas, trained and well-educated natives can be had at comparatively small salaries, and they, of course, are thoroug hly conversant with the languages and habits of the people of their own district, which is a great desideratum, and would rarely, if ever, be overcome in a European. The men employed are entirely different to the salootries of Upper India, and take the g reatest interest in their work, and, from what I have seen of them, they must prove hereafter of inestimable value. Loss.- W !tat is to be understood by it ? The Ryot. -The loss of his cattle from disease simply means ruin, for they till his soil, and without them he is compelled to let his fields lie in fallow until, if ever, he is able to replace them. He is not the only loser ; even from the meanest rice consumer to the Government of India, all in their turn have to suffer. The former has to pay dearly for his rice, a commodity of everyday life, and the latter by an enormous loss of revenue. What is to be done to prevent this serious loss .? 1st. A properly organised department. 2nd. Protective inoculation.
APPE:-
Statistical RctuY!t r>f Cattle Disease ill the Presidmcy of Madras,from ISt September, 1882, to 31st Marclz, 1883.
< 0
!' ~
;S
......
!""'
Strength of Li ve Stock.
N o.
-- - - I
-I
2 3 4
5 6 7 8 9 IO I I 12 13 14 N
15
--
Number of Animals attacked with
Percentage
Total.
of Attacks on Strength.
li
12
21,486
2'82
3,922
0 '70 2'66
Districts.
Kistna Kurnool
Catlle .
Coats.
--
2
3
...
...
Vizagapatam Trichinopoly Coimbatore .. . Bellary Tinnevelly Chingleput ... South Canara South Arcot... Ganjam ... Godavari Nilgiris Nellore Anantapore ...
...
...
...
...
...
Total
...
_
I
_4 _ \
T otal.
5
6
7
8
759,295 ss6,760 I 11,7 14 1 1283, 161
21,486 3,922
... ...
2:796
I79
938 856
9 I68
344
944
20
...
I 27,795 98,938 27,488
191,903 I98,649
...
439.597 259,173 68,623
...
450,522
260,169
572,470
...
531,725 182,200
245,653 89,566 :zo8, 170
354,154 169,122
..
...
...
Epizoot. SheepRinderpes t. \ Anthrax. Aphtha. pox .
Sheep.
I 5,6o3
I 1 131,532
s 88,241
440,888 I,zoo,r 70
66,33 1 9,209 261,697
140,507 2Il
458,957 521,808
429,130
...
... so
I
27 64
ISS
174,216
zs,768
12,093
11312,904 2I2,077
370,958
ss,s 55
45,307
472,120
35,300 235,626
2,o66
37,796
76,952
r82,5o8
98,897
430 20I,37 I 241 ,250
6o 10
513,949 522,655
14 8
4,720,79 1
I 1,654,554
3,r 6o,44I
9,535,786
3 1,614
...
... 1
...
...
- - ·- -- -
...
220
...
91
...
23
... ... I ...
... ...
767
... ...
.. . ...
... ...
"
57
2,97 5 2,347 I,368
1,400
.
...
...
...
...
33
...
10
--... ... ... ...
455
403,7 59 252,1 I9 512,388 62z,on
... ...
--9
1 6~-~
1,400 -
1
~·
~
~
......
964
0'2I
""
455 303 2I3
0'03 o·o6
}
33 14 8
...
b
~-
6o
".
I
0'12
III
.. . .. .
~ ~
0' 18
ISS
...
~
34,414
0'04 0'01 o·os 0'0! 0'09 0'002
~
~
~
~ ~ ~
~
~
0'001 00'36
0.> IV
\0
II. Return of Deatlufrom Cattle Disease,from ISt September, 1882, to 31st Marek, 1883.
(N
APPENDIX
Number of Deaths from No.
Districts.
I E pizoot.l
1
-'-·-·
Kistna 2 Kurnool 3 Vizagapatam 4 Trichinopoly 5 Coimbatore .. . 6 Bellary .. . 7 Tinnevelly .. . 8 Chingleput .. . 9 South Canara IO South Arcot. .. II Ganjam . .. 12 ..•
G~d~~ari
R inderpest. :Anthra x. Aphtha.
...
2,27 2 1,827
... ... ...
... ... ...
... ...
484 417 46o
9 138 17
... 57 ...
840 ... ...
1,333 612 / 477 1
305 19
,., 123
'" . ..
"' ...
305 ; I 142 :
. ..
39 124 63 ·
. . "' I ...
... ... '"
"
...
.. . '
'
I
~4
i
I
14
54 i .. . 57 6
I ...
. ..
. ..
70 ...
... ...
34 10
... 17
... ...
4 8
···
I ··· I
•. •
• ••
13
N1lgms
.. .
14
Nell ore ... Anantapore . . .
... ...
I
pox .
... ... 124
... ... I
... ...
IS
.i Percentage:'I Percentage of Deaths on Number of Attacks. of Deaths 'I , on ~ -----,-~----;-~;; E'=' pi'=zo:-coc:t. 1"S"'h-:c ee:-::p-. ,, - - - -, I I Total. 1I Strength. j[ Rinderpest. Anthrax ., Aphtha._ pox. Total.
--~=~---_-,--13--!==1=4=! --~~~5=~==1=6=~ ==1=7= I! .. . l 13,039
Totai - ..-.·
I
1
I ···
... 1 18,950 i563"in
. ..
0
Sheep:-~---
1
·· ·
c..>
. ..
I ... ··· I' ...
IS 172
~.272
·41
1,951
1'74
-7 · 4! 8 I
1
13,039
~4 :
I ...
7
'104 ·o54 ·ou
i
19
6o ·65 • s7 93 j' 65·27 l:j
I I
=~==2=2=~ ==-2_3-
,-20-,==2= 1 ... .. . 69·27
... .. . .. .
... ... ...
6o·65 57'9 3 65'57
...~ ~
51'58 48 ·7r 48·73
100'00 ... 82· 14 13 ·66 s s·oo .. .
6o·oo ... ...
5679 44'73 49·48
'026 6J'I9 '03 57 '87 '007 :t1: roo ·oo ·or il 76'92 '03 ·oo8 56·66 '071 l 100 '00 ·oor , 28'50 ' ·oo2 ; roo·oo
"' '" 55'90 1 .. . 88'22 n6
"' ...
67'19 53'18 !8'31 8o·oo
!s:;-!2o,430 ; 0'215
:I
84'37 ... roo·oo ' "·r,
I I I
73'91 _ .._·_ 1_ .._· _ 1_ .._·1
56'75 s6·66 8 r 81
28 "50 100" 00 '- --
59 '94 j 73'4o j I2' I6 j 6o·oo j 59'36
~
~· ~
~
~ ~
~ ~ :--...
APl'ENDIX
III.
Analysis of lite "Rainfall and llcalt!t of Cattle S tatement,'' from rst of S eptember, r88z, up to 31St 11fmdt, 1883.
!~
i'
Number of DisLricts Affc...: ted witlt
Month.
- - - --:-Rinderpest.
- - -..- - .- ,-.- . -
·'
~· ~:
Ep 'oottc
Ant hrax.
Aphtha.
October
,
...
6
I
4
November
,
.. .
6
2
3
II
December
,
.. .
7
1
4
,
5
I.
March
"
Ji
of Districts
II'
Rainfall,
specified'
~ffectcd.
Cottle
inches.
i
~ .....
'I
I
1\
Remarks.
I
~
!I
6
I
16
4·65
7
18
4'31
8
I9
8
I
j
878
20
I ·w
21
o·11
1
7
·~
4
1
4
·
14
I
o·z1
~
I
t1 ~-
!i
;i·
:\
It will be observed 11 that no less than 44 ' outbreaks were so vaguely reported in which no clue could be obtained to their j precise nature ; and this, if statistics are . to be kept anything \: like correct, calls for : remedy .
I'
_s_!_. ·_l_3_1~ _4_\l_r~-!i_o·ss_ :j 6
...
4
.j
1
,
I' Total No.
Di,ease not
II
5
February
I :I Ave rage
:I
. ..
8
Ii ::
I·
September, r88z
January, 1883
!
1:
) ___ _ lI_ _ __ .,il, _ _ !I'
··· -··- - -·-----'1. I
I
1
S:.
"
~
}
~
~ ~ ~
"';:s
~
1
TOTAL ...
. .. : 1
46
;
I
6
1
27
1:
:r
4-1-
I23
,
I
I 97 I
i!
ii
w w
The Veterinary Journal.
332
APPEN DIX
IV.
Statemmt showi11g t7ze number of Cattle in each District for 1881-82.
I
Districts.
Ganjam Vizagapatam Godavari Kistna Nellore Cuddapah ... Anantapur ... Bellary ... Kurnool Madras Chingleput .. . North Arcot South Arcot T anjorc ... Trichinopoly Madura Tinnevelly ... Coimbatore... Nilgiris ... ... Salem South Canara Malabar ...
Buffaloes.
Bullocks.,
No.
N o.
26,537
81,400
23.435 88,289 II5,921 31,1 82 34,045 26,847 II, 757
Cows.
I
No.
Goats.
I Sheep. Im~rks.
N o.
66,279
25,779 19,409 171 ,932 110,737 161,398 162,278 92,497 111,947 76,952 128,82 5 50,054 23 5,038 89,013 66,648 98,897 120,883 49,560 89,566
201,37 1 220,273 241,2 50 169 122 '
"'IU :; ; ~ril b.o ..C::
~ ll:
·;;: ~f
·;::: b.O
86,276 113,353 59,544 98.938\ 198,6-t9l 1 ~ 1,920 2,710 2,130 736 2,16o ,...,~-~... 88, 596 2,0 n ,46 66,331 14o, 4 r 5o71 ~~ 9 5 5 n, 3zo 188,926 207,156 274,836 155,489 ~ra
*...
81,537 .. . 120,8 13 74,340 46,389 ... 87,603 ... 42,550 ... 11,1 37 .. . 39,900· . .. ...
282,7241 301,7 13· 181,972 21I,921 171,439 :!54,426 9,6 14 184,224·
25 7,8 16 193,238 194,2 10 22 5,4091 144,717 234,749 14,549 251 ,9841
172,616~
156,4131 I8J,3 59 109,0441 325,955 381,416!
26 1,697 200,592 26o,169 215, 582 208,170 245,65 3 2,066 298,317 9,2091 55,355 1
429,130 211 ,250 572,470 303,977 588,241 354, 154 430 321 ,984
~~
~~
0 :::: 0@
-;:_,5
"'2 +-· o a ......... ~Ul
~
a
"' '3 "' u
~
·-e
b.or;l
211 1 <.<:: 0..
"' ..."' 1, 270 ..c::..c:: E-<
--~otal · :~--··_- j i,339,309I3,395,532! 3,065,042I 2,935,0I0! 4,376,8441 Grand Total
* Ryotwari villages are those,
I5,1I 1,737 the people or ryots of which pay their revenue directly
to Government.
t I nam villages are those which are given to people for some distinguished
s ervice~
done by them, withou t the payment of revenue.
t
Zemindari villages are those which are in charge of large landowners who pay a certain amount of fixed revenue to Government.
Spect"al Notes on Canine Dz'seases.
333
The former I am in great hopes of seeing carried out. As regards the latter, energetic steps are now being taken to bring this about, but before introducing it into the districts, I have thought it desirable to institute a series of experiments. To enable me to do this, I have obtained a large supply of Autltracine direct from M. Boutroux, Paris, prepared by M. Pasteur. So far the experiments have been most successful, but have not been extended over a sufficiently lengthened period for me to draw any deductions from them, which might be considered as definite or of any value. When they are completed, I will furnish full details to the VETERINARY jOURNAL.
I forward a statement showing the number of cattle in the Madras Presidency (see Appendix No. 4), which may prove interesting.
SPECIAL NOTES ON CANINE DISEASES. BY
J.
WOODROFFE HILL, F.R.C.V.S. HYDROPHTHALMIA.
THE abnormal accumulation of fluid in the chambers of the eye which gives rise to what, in ophthalmic surgery, is termed "Hydrophthalmia," is a disease which has hitherto been unnoticed in the literature of canine pathology, probably owing to its non-recognition. A hydrophthalmic eye is protruded from the socket, and looks as if it were about to burst; the eye-ball is hard and tense to the touch, usually of a dull opaque colour over the cornea, and the pupil is stationary. In dogs, Hydrophthalmia generally involves both the anterior and posterior chambers of the eye. The distension caused by the dropsy produces considerable discomfort to the patient, vision is obviously impaired, and total blindness is a common sequel. Causes.-A cachectic state of the constitution is favourable to Hydrophthalmia, but it may more frequently be traced to injury-particularly violent concussion to the eye-ball from a blow.
J. MILLS, M.R.C.V.S., ARMY VETERINARY DEPART:\IENT. ( Co?Ztimted from pag-e z 56.)
Anthrax heads the list as being the most fatal malady, claiming no less than 73'40 per cent. of its victims. Variola Ovina follows, with a death-rate of 6o per cent. ; next is Rinderpest, with 59'94 per cent.; and lastly, Epizootic Aphtha, wh ich only kills 12'16 per cent.; the average for all diseases being 59·36 on the total of animals attacked. From Appendix No. 4 it would appear that disease was at its height in the months of December, 1882, and January, I 88 3, during which period there was the least rainfall, when no less than twenty districts in the former and twenty-one in the latter month were affected. This, I consider, is in a great measure due to the sudden change of [the season, from wet to dry, and the cold which prevails during these months. This conclusion will be borne out by the fact that disease began to subside as the warmer and more genial weather commenced. The most prevalent malady has been Rinderpest, which visited the Presidency no less than forty-six times ; Epizootic Aphtha follows, then comes Anthrax, which made its appearance only six times. It must be observed that the cattle disease statistics received in this office often fail to specify the nature of the disease ; hence a separate column has been opened for "Cattle disease not specified.'' I am inclined to think that the diseases comprised under this head must probably be Anthrax and Rinderpest, for these are, especially the former, difficult of detection. Educational.
It would be out of place on my part, in this paper, to give a synopsis of the curriculum through which the probationers have to pass before entering the department, but I might mention that they attend all my lectures at the Agricultural College, and, in in addition to this, they undergo a severe practical training, and particular attention is paid to instruct them in any subject in
Cattle Disease in the Madras Fres£dency.
325
which, at the monthly examinations, they are found deficient. Every precaution is taken to see that these men have a thorough knowledge of Contagious and Infectious Cattle Diseases, and the best modes of treating, arresting, and preventing them. In addition to this they are taught the use of all veterinary instruments, and to perform the most useful operations, such as castration, etc. Veterinary Hospital. This institution was opened on the rst June, 1882, and has been working most successfully ever since. The buildings consist of a surgery, class-room, dissecting-shed, stables, a large cattle-shed, and a shed for out-door classes ; also quarters for the hospital-keeper. The hospital, with instruments and drugs, are under the immediate charge of the keeper. The following books are regularly and carefully kept, viz. :r. A register in which the description, result of treatment, etc., of each patient are entered. 2. A record for entering the full particulars of cases. 3· A recipe-book wherein all medicines expended are carefully noted. 4· A clinical chart-book, in which are recorded the variations of temperature, pulse, and respirations of all cases of any interest. Up to date, 68 practical demonstrations were given, including operations and post-mortem examinations. The number of cases treated have been 118. In the pharmacy 12,0 3 7 doses of medicine for the various forms of Cattle Diseases have b een sent out to the districts. With few exceptions, the drugs employed are indigenous to India, are cheap, and can be procured locally. This is especially done for the purpose of illustrating to cattle-owners the benefits which can be derived from a judicious use of the resources they have always at hand in their own bazaars, and to prevent them, as far as possible, from pinning their faith on drugs other than those found in their own country and not always to be had. The sanitary arrangements are carried on at the hospital on the most approved scientific principles. All refuse, dressing from wounds, etc., are carefully burnt in one of my cinerators.
The Vete1'inary Journal. A considerable number of morbid specimens has been collected, prepared, and carefully set up for teaching purposes. The premises stand in a compound ten acres in extent, on the Government Experimental Farm, Saidapet, which is about five miles from the City of Madras. In the garden attached are grown a large number of feeding and medical plants-the former for the use of patients, and the latter for teaching purposes. Special attention is devoted to the cultivation of those of a poisonous nature, which are found in the presidency and likely to be eaten by cattle. The probationers are taught to distinguish them and their particular properties; also, as far as we know, their antidotes. This I find most essential, because cattle are compelled, during certain seasons, to browse on almost anything green they come across, and it is on such occasions reports are sometimes sent to me which would seem like an outbreak of Cattle Disease, but is, in reality, due to these noxious plants. Government g ives liberal encouragement to experimental research at the hospital, and among some medicinal agents sent for experimental purposes was the seed of a plant called by the natives " Rudraksham," known technically as "Elocarpus Genitras," a m ember of the natural order "Elocarpacea::." The part used medicinally is the nut. It was said to have been given with great success by an European coffee planter on the hills, in an outbreak of Rinderpest which occurred on his estate, and that the natives of those parts employ it extensively as a specific for that disease. The d ose used was the average nut, weighing about 40 grain s, finely powdered and mixed with a pint of gruel. Rudraksham-nut is regarded in a religious light by the natives, and worn by them on occasions of Divine worship. I am told that the same medicine is employed by them as a specific for epileptic fits. It being most inexpensive-a few rupees purchasing some thousands of doses-! determined to give it a trial, and therefore sent 300 powdered nuts to the districts where Rinderpest existed. Their use, however, was evidently unattended with any unusual results ; subsequently, the nuts were analysed by the Professor of Chemistry at the College, who reported them to contain a mild astringent property, but nothing more. I made
Cattle Disease in the Madras Presidency.
327
numerous experiments with them in every form and on many different animals, but found that they simply acted as a mild astringent. Therefore, I am inclined to think that the supposed attacks of Rinderpest must have been simply cases of Diarrhcea.
Slaughter-house Inspection. Among other matters forced on my notice, none seemed more worthy of attention than the inspection of slaughter-houses, and especially those of the town of Madras. Therefore, one of my first duties was to place them under proper supervision, and I foresaw, in addition to the benefit the consumers of meat would derive from this measure, that my probationers would have ample opportunities of studying the various morbid conditions incidental to Indian cattle. The principal disorders detected in slaughtered animals are Catarrhal and Eruptive Fevers; Congestion of the Lungs from overdriving (this is most frequent) ; Tape-worm ; Amphistoma Conicum ; Echinococcus V eterinorum ; CEstrus-ovis ; Strongylus Radiatus; and Tuberculosis. REilfARKS.
These fe w remarks will, I hope, prove acceptable to those who take an interest in such a subject, and may tend to illustrate still furth er the great need there is for a d epartment of this description for the whole of the Indian Empire ; and although, perhaps, the benighted Presidency may not be able to say that it is the pioneer in this matter, still I think it may claim to be the first to properly organize a Civil Veterinary Department,
WhJ' are the subordinates not Europeans and qualified men'! This can be answered in a very few words. I st. Languages.-To become thoroughly conversant with those of the Presidency would occupy years of hard study, because there are more than five dialects spoken, widely different from each other, and not as in Bengal, where Urdu and Hindustani predominate. Here one who is conversant with Tamil may go less than roo miles, when he will find himself in a district where probably nothing but Telugu, Canausi, or some other dialect is spoken.
The Veter£nary Journal. 2nd. Climate.-Few constitutions would stand the hardships which have to be undergone in exposure to sun, monsoon rain, and m;;daria ; to say nothing of the risks which have to be encountered from contagious diseases, such as Cholera, Smallpox, etc., and it must be remembered, too, that in India, epidemics and epizootics, as a rule, go hand in hand. This is at present illustrated where, in the district in which I reside, Chingleput, severe outbreaks of Cholera, Small -pox, and Anthrax are raging at the same time ; and on comparing the health returns with the cattle disease statistics, I find this fact fully borne out.
TV lty are the natives employed as subordinates ?
Expenditure.-India is not, as many people consider it, an Eldorado ; far from it; much may be received from it, but still more is required of it. The cost of employing qualified men would be great, and to be of any service a large number would be required ; whereas, trained and well-educated natives can be had at comparatively small salaries, and they, of course, are thoroug hly conversant with the languages and habits of the people of their own district, which is a great desideratum, and would rarely, if ever, be overcome in a European. The men employed are entirely different to the salootries of Upper India, and take the g reatest interest in their work, and, from what I have seen of them, they must prove hereafter of inestimable value. Loss.- W !tat is to be understood by it ? The Ryot. -The loss of his cattle from disease simply means ruin, for they till his soil, and without them he is compelled to let his fields lie in fallow until, if ever, he is able to replace them. He is not the only loser ; even from the meanest rice consumer to the Government of India, all in their turn have to suffer. The former has to pay dearly for his rice, a commodity of everyday life, and the latter by an enormous loss of revenue. What is to be done to prevent this serious loss .? 1st. A properly organised department. 2nd. Protective inoculation.
APPE:-
Statistical RctuY!t r>f Cattle Disease ill the Presidmcy of Madras,from ISt September, 1882, to 31st Marclz, 1883.
< 0
!' ~
;S
......
!""'
Strength of Li ve Stock.
N o.
-- - - I
-I
2 3 4
5 6 7 8 9 IO I I 12 13 14 N
15
--
Number of Animals attacked with
Percentage
Total.
of Attacks on Strength.
li
12
21,486
2'82
3,922
0 '70 2'66
Districts.
Kistna Kurnool
Catlle .
Coats.
--
2
3
...
...
Vizagapatam Trichinopoly Coimbatore .. . Bellary Tinnevelly Chingleput ... South Canara South Arcot... Ganjam ... Godavari Nilgiris Nellore Anantapore ...
...
...
...
...
...
Total
...
_
I
_4 _ \
T otal.
5
6
7
8
759,295 ss6,760 I 11,7 14 1 1283, 161
21,486 3,922
... ...
2:796
I79
938 856
9 I68
344
944
20
...
I 27,795 98,938 27,488
191,903 I98,649
...
439.597 259,173 68,623
...
450,522
260,169
572,470
...
531,725 182,200
245,653 89,566 :zo8, 170
354,154 169,122
..
...
...
Epizoot. SheepRinderpes t. \ Anthrax. Aphtha. pox .
Sheep.
I 5,6o3
I 1 131,532
s 88,241
440,888 I,zoo,r 70
66,33 1 9,209 261,697
140,507 2Il
458,957 521,808
429,130
...
... so
I
27 64
ISS
174,216
zs,768
12,093
11312,904 2I2,077
370,958
ss,s 55
45,307
472,120
35,300 235,626
2,o66
37,796
76,952
r82,5o8
98,897
430 20I,37 I 241 ,250
6o 10
513,949 522,655
14 8
4,720,79 1
I 1,654,554
3,r 6o,44I
9,535,786
3 1,614
...
... 1
...
...
- - ·- -- -
...
220
...
91
...
23
... ... I ...
... ...
767
... ...
.. . ...
... ...
"
57
2,97 5 2,347 I,368
1,400
.
...
...
...
...
33
...
10
--... ... ... ...
455
403,7 59 252,1 I9 512,388 62z,on
... ...
--9
1 6~-~
1,400 -
1
~·
~
~
......
964
0'2I
""
455 303 2I3
0'03 o·o6
}
33 14 8
...
b
~-
6o
".
I
0'12
III
.. . .. .
~ ~
0' 18
ISS
...
~
34,414
0'04 0'01 o·os 0'0! 0'09 0'002
~
~
~
~ ~ ~
~
~
0'001 00'36
0.> IV
\0
II. Return of Deatlufrom Cattle Disease,from ISt September, 1882, to 31st Marek, 1883.
(N
APPENDIX
Number of Deaths from No.
Districts.
I E pizoot.l
1
-'-·-·
Kistna 2 Kurnool 3 Vizagapatam 4 Trichinopoly 5 Coimbatore .. . 6 Bellary .. . 7 Tinnevelly .. . 8 Chingleput .. . 9 South Canara IO South Arcot. .. II Ganjam . .. 12 ..•
G~d~~ari
R inderpest. :Anthra x. Aphtha.
...
2,27 2 1,827
... ... ...
... ... ...
... ...
484 417 46o
9 138 17
... 57 ...
840 ... ...
1,333 612 / 477 1
305 19
,., 123
'" . ..
"' ...
305 ; I 142 :
. ..
39 124 63 ·
. . "' I ...
... ... '"
"
...
.. . '
'
I
~4
i
I
14
54 i .. . 57 6
I ...
. ..
. ..
70 ...
... ...
34 10
... 17
... ...
4 8
···
I ··· I
•. •
• ••
13
N1lgms
.. .
14
Nell ore ... Anantapore . . .
... ...
I
pox .
... ... 124
... ... I
... ...
IS
.i Percentage:'I Percentage of Deaths on Number of Attacks. of Deaths 'I , on ~ -----,-~----;-~;; E'=' pi'=zo:-coc:t. 1"S"'h-:c ee:-::p-. ,, - - - -, I I Total. 1I Strength. j[ Rinderpest. Anthrax ., Aphtha._ pox. Total.
--~=~---_-,--13--!==1=4=! --~~~5=~==1=6=~ ==1=7= I! .. . l 13,039
Totai - ..-.·
I
1
I ···
... 1 18,950 i563"in
. ..
0
Sheep:-~---
1
·· ·
c..>
. ..
I ... ··· I' ...
IS 172
~.272
·41
1,951
1'74
-7 · 4! 8 I
1
13,039
~4 :
I ...
7
'104 ·o54 ·ou
i
19
6o ·65 • s7 93 j' 65·27 l:j
I I
=~==2=2=~ ==-2_3-
,-20-,==2= 1 ... .. . 69·27
... .. . .. .
... ... ...
6o·65 57'9 3 65'57
...~ ~
51'58 48 ·7r 48·73
100'00 ... 82· 14 13 ·66 s s·oo .. .
6o·oo ... ...
5679 44'73 49·48
'026 6J'I9 '03 57 '87 '007 :t1: roo ·oo ·or il 76'92 '03 ·oo8 56·66 '071 l 100 '00 ·oor , 28'50 ' ·oo2 ; roo·oo
"' '" 55'90 1 .. . 88'22 n6
"' ...
67'19 53'18 !8'31 8o·oo
!s:;-!2o,430 ; 0'215
:I
84'37 ... roo·oo ' "·r,
I I I
73'91 _ .._·_ 1_ .._· _ 1_ .._·1
56'75 s6·66 8 r 81
28 "50 100" 00 '- --
59 '94 j 73'4o j I2' I6 j 6o·oo j 59'36
~
~· ~
~
~ ~
~ ~ :--...
APl'ENDIX
III.
Analysis of lite "Rainfall and llcalt!t of Cattle S tatement,'' from rst of S eptember, r88z, up to 31St 11fmdt, 1883.
!~
i'
Number of DisLricts Affc...: ted witlt
Month.
- - - --:-Rinderpest.
- - -..- - .- ,-.- . -
·'
~· ~:
Ep 'oottc
Ant hrax.
Aphtha.
October
,
...
6
I
4
November
,
.. .
6
2
3
II
December
,
.. .
7
1
4
,
5
I.
March
"
Ji
of Districts
II'
Rainfall,
specified'
~ffectcd.
Cottle
inches.
i
~ .....
'I
I
1\
Remarks.
I
~
!I
6
I
16
4·65
7
18
4'31
8
I9
8
I
j
878
20
I ·w
21
o·11
1
7
·~
4
1
4
·
14
I
o·z1
~
I
t1 ~-
!i
;i·
:\
It will be observed 11 that no less than 44 ' outbreaks were so vaguely reported in which no clue could be obtained to their j precise nature ; and this, if statistics are . to be kept anything \: like correct, calls for : remedy .
I'
_s_!_. ·_l_3_1~ _4_\l_r~-!i_o·ss_ :j 6
...
4
.j
1
,
I' Total No.
Di,ease not
II
5
February
I :I Ave rage
:I
. ..
8
Ii ::
I·
September, r88z
January, 1883
!
1:
) ___ _ lI_ _ __ .,il, _ _ !I'
··· -··- - -·-----'1. I
I
1
S:.
"
~
}
~
~ ~ ~
"';:s
~
1
TOTAL ...
. .. : 1
46
;
I
6
1
27
1:
:r
4-1-
I23
,
I
I 97 I
i!
ii
w w
The Veterinary Journal.
332
APPEN DIX
IV.
Statemmt showi11g t7ze number of Cattle in each District for 1881-82.
I
Districts.
Ganjam Vizagapatam Godavari Kistna Nellore Cuddapah ... Anantapur ... Bellary ... Kurnool Madras Chingleput .. . North Arcot South Arcot T anjorc ... Trichinopoly Madura Tinnevelly ... Coimbatore... Nilgiris ... ... Salem South Canara Malabar ...
Buffaloes.
Bullocks.,
No.
N o.
26,537
81,400
23.435 88,289 II5,921 31,1 82 34,045 26,847 II, 757
Cows.
I
No.
Goats.
I Sheep. Im~rks.
N o.
66,279
25,779 19,409 171 ,932 110,737 161,398 162,278 92,497 111,947 76,952 128,82 5 50,054 23 5,038 89,013 66,648 98,897 120,883 49,560 89,566
201,37 1 220,273 241,2 50 169 122 '
"'IU :; ; ~ril b.o ..C::
~ ll:
·;;: ~f
·;::: b.O
86,276 113,353 59,544 98.938\ 198,6-t9l 1 ~ 1,920 2,710 2,130 736 2,16o ,...,~-~... 88, 596 2,0 n ,46 66,331 14o, 4 r 5o71 ~~ 9 5 5 n, 3zo 188,926 207,156 274,836 155,489 ~ra
*...
81,537 .. . 120,8 13 74,340 46,389 ... 87,603 ... 42,550 ... 11,1 37 .. . 39,900· . .. ...
282,7241 301,7 13· 181,972 21I,921 171,439 :!54,426 9,6 14 184,224·
25 7,8 16 193,238 194,2 10 22 5,4091 144,717 234,749 14,549 251 ,9841
172,616~
156,4131 I8J,3 59 109,0441 325,955 381,416!
26 1,697 200,592 26o,169 215, 582 208,170 245,65 3 2,066 298,317 9,2091 55,355 1
429,130 211 ,250 572,470 303,977 588,241 354, 154 430 321 ,984
~~
~~
0 :::: 0@
-;:_,5
"'2 +-· o a ......... ~Ul
~
a
"' '3 "' u
~
·-e
b.or;l
211 1 <.<:: 0..
"' ..."' 1, 270 ..c::..c:: E-<
--~otal · :~--··_- j i,339,309I3,395,532! 3,065,042I 2,935,0I0! 4,376,8441 Grand Total
* Ryotwari villages are those,
I5,1I 1,737 the people or ryots of which pay their revenue directly
to Government.
t I nam villages are those which are given to people for some distinguished
s ervice~
done by them, withou t the payment of revenue.
t
Zemindari villages are those which are in charge of large landowners who pay a certain amount of fixed revenue to Government.
Spect"al Notes on Canine Dz'seases.
333
The former I am in great hopes of seeing carried out. As regards the latter, energetic steps are now being taken to bring this about, but before introducing it into the districts, I have thought it desirable to institute a series of experiments. To enable me to do this, I have obtained a large supply of Autltracine direct from M. Boutroux, Paris, prepared by M. Pasteur. So far the experiments have been most successful, but have not been extended over a sufficiently lengthened period for me to draw any deductions from them, which might be considered as definite or of any value. When they are completed, I will furnish full details to the VETERINARY jOURNAL.
I forward a statement showing the number of cattle in the Madras Presidency (see Appendix No. 4), which may prove interesting.
SPECIAL NOTES ON CANINE DISEASES. BY
J.
WOODROFFE HILL, F.R.C.V.S. HYDROPHTHALMIA.
THE abnormal accumulation of fluid in the chambers of the eye which gives rise to what, in ophthalmic surgery, is termed "Hydrophthalmia," is a disease which has hitherto been unnoticed in the literature of canine pathology, probably owing to its non-recognition. A hydrophthalmic eye is protruded from the socket, and looks as if it were about to burst; the eye-ball is hard and tense to the touch, usually of a dull opaque colour over the cornea, and the pupil is stationary. In dogs, Hydrophthalmia generally involves both the anterior and posterior chambers of the eye. The distension caused by the dropsy produces considerable discomfort to the patient, vision is obviously impaired, and total blindness is a common sequel. Causes.-A cachectic state of the constitution is favourable to Hydrophthalmia, but it may more frequently be traced to injury-particularly violent concussion to the eye-ball from a blow.