92
The following diagram shows the trypanosome as found in the blood, which, if not actually a similar species, is probably very closely allied to the trypanosoma brucei ("Nagana " of South Africa).
(b)
(a)
(d)
98
is now dying of the disease. This horse was first noticed to be ill about six months ago, on his owner's return from leave to England, and had been brought from the Gambia only a little over a year ago. This animal, which, by the way, is a serious source of infection to all the other animals in the place (Government oxen included), I have is allowed to roam about wherever it likes and pick up what food it can. no doubt that while its master was home on leave this horse was allowed to do all the very things that the other horse was carefully prevented from doing, and, consequently, got bitten by the fly sufficiently to get infected with the disease.
The principal symptoms amongst infected horses are: enlarged cervical glands, lingering foot, hide-bound coat, occasional attacks of red-water, and sometimes swelling of the abdomen.
With our inoculated laboratory animals such as goats, puppies, guinea-pigs, &c., the disease is usually fatal in about four weeks, all the symptoms being intensified.
18932
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(C)
Shet
(a) Usual type; (b) dividing form; (c) blood platelets; (d) red blood cells.
Symptoms.
The chief symptoms of this disease in cattle, which appears to run its course in about six months, or less, are:-
Wasting, especially noticeable in the hind-quarters and loins.
This is well shown in the photographs. In advanced cases the hind-quarters sway and stagger as if not belonging to the animal.
A watery discharge from the eyes, and in the latest stages, opacity of the cornea. Sometimes there is a discharge from the sheath of the penis, accompanied by some cedema of that part.
The coat has a rough and dull appearance.
The animal is drowsy and apathetic, and appears to sleep much more than the healthy ones.
In the early morning the sick bullock is not seen chewing the cud as are its fellows, but will, however, eat right up to the end.
There is irregular fever, and increasing weakness accompanying the emacia- tion.
Often there is a slight cough and breathlessness.
The blood in the later stages is very anæmic and thin, and clots badly. There appears to be a great increase of mononuclears, some eosinophilia and polychroma- tophilia. The trypanosomes sometimes almost entirely disappear from the circula-
tion.
General Remarks.
This disease is apparently fatal to cattle, horses, dogs, goats, probably mules, sheep and other domestic animals.
With reference to the average annual mortality; if it can be accepted as a fact that every animal contracting this disease, certainly dies within so many weeks or months, then, taking as an index the line of route traversed (see map) and totalling up columns 2, 3 and 4 (page 1 and 2), it would appear to approximate the high total of 33 per cent.
A feature of this disease is its marked intensity and endemicity at certain spots, this, however, will probably be found to correspond with the prevalence and distri- bution of the fly (Glossina Pallidipes).
A complete survey of the disease would, I think, show that it is far and away the most important malady in connection with animals in this Colony and Protec- torate.
Incidentally the smaller and less important diseases would come under review. A most striking illustration of what can be done with regard to prevention and the reverse, I noticed a few days ago at Bo, on the railway. Some natives in the village have a horse in the pink of condition, which they have had now for over five years.
It is carefully groomed, stall-fed, watered and kept in the village com- pound, never allowed to roam about, go down to the nearest stream to drink or pick up what food it can in the bush. Another horse, also at Bo, belonging to a European,
(No. 66.)
MY LORD,
No. 144.
SEYCHELLES.
GOVERNOR DAVIDSON to THE EARL OF ELGIN. (Received May 28, 1907.)
Government House, Seychelles, April 26, 1907. I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of Your Lordship's Circular despatch of the 26th February last,* formulating methods for putting on a better footing veterinary matters certain of the Crown Colonies and Protectorates.
2. The financial position of this Colony does not warrant the employment of
a veterinary officer on the staff of the Administration. Fortunately, also, stock of all sorts in Seychelles are free from the many diseases which are prevalent in the African Colonies.
3. Dr. R. Denman, the Chief Medical Officer, recently went through a course of study-when in England in 1905 and 1906-which covered Sections 2 and 3 of Part A and Part B of the syllabus prescribed for examination. In recent cases calling for veterinary examination, Dr. Denman has placed his knowledge at my disposal.
I am of opinion that no further provision is possible in Seychelles.
No. 145.
I have, &c.,
W. E DAVIDSON,
Governor.
COLONIAL VETERINARY COMMITTEE.
Meeting of the 29th of May.
AGENDA.
REPORTS by Captain Todd, A.V.D., on diseases of cattle in the Gambia. REPORTS On Horses in the Gold Coast for 1906.
REPORT by the Game Ranger of the East African Protectorate for 1905-6. Despatches from the Governors of Ceylon, Malta, Leeward Islands, Barbados, Cyprus, Gibraltar, and Orange River Colony, and letters from the Foreign Office and India Office on the subject of veterinary appointments.
Application of Mr. G. Harvey, Government Veterinary Surgeon in Cyprus, for promotion.
Extract from a despatch from the Commissioner of Uganda on cattle-breeding.
• No. 93.
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