IQO SOME SOUTH INDIAN [NSE( rS, ETC. CHAP. XX. 



which is pathogenic to guinea-pigs, but apparent!) little known, 

 whilst T. vespertilionis is found in various bats. Even reptiles are 

 not exempt from attack by these parasites, for Tryp. vittata is found 

 in the pond tortoise (Emyda vittata), being carried from hosl 

 h\ .1 leech, and the common pond snake (Tropidonotus piscator) is 

 attacked by Tryp. primeti. At least two trypanosomes also are 

 known to occui in common wall-lizards 01 Geckos. The import- 

 ance of the parasites of this group warrants all necessarj precau- 

 11 keeping diseases such as Sleeping Sickness and Nagana 

 , nit of India, although the particular biting Mies (Gtossina sfip.), 

 which carry these diseases in Africa, arc not known to occur in 

 India. B) no means an uncommon disease of dogs in the tropics is 

 malignant jaundice, cause. i bj a minute protozoal organism (Babesia 

 or Piroplasma canis) which is carried by the common Doj 

 (Rhipicephalus sanguineus). Another similar parasite which has 

 earned a certain notoriety in Madras by its effects on jackal-hounds 

 is Piroplasma gibsoni, which causes intense anaemia and enlarge- 

 ment of the spleen and liver. Slackness of the hound in cover and 

 inability to keep her usual place in the field when the pack is run- 

 ning are the first symptoms noticeable to the huntsman and these 

 are soon followed by rapid loss of condition. This pal 

 common in the blood of the jackal and is transmitted by tick-. It 

 is also possible that rabies may occasionally be spread amongst 

 dogs by the agency of biting Hies bm this is probably an 

 unimportant method of dispersal. 



The various forms of Anthrax are sometimes spread amongst 

 cattle, and occasionally carried to man. by the agency of biting 

 flies and it seems obvious, especially in a country such as India, 

 where the agriculture and hence the very livelihood of the whole 

 people depends on cattle, that every effort should be made to inves- 

 tigate the subject of the transmission of disease amongst cattle 

 In biting flies and other blood-sucking insects. Yet verj little 

 j to be on record either as regards the disc ises or the insects 

 In which the) a re or ma) be transmitted. There are few if any 

 countries in the world in which the subject of Veterinary Entomo- 

 [ gj an d Pi.it.. oolog) would better iepa\ research than in India. 

 but hitherto investigators have confined their attention almost 

 wholl) to the subject of human diseases and there is a vast field 

 for exploration as regards the diseases ot domesticated animals in 

 the tropics. 



It max be useful to give a summar) of the principal dis 

 of man and animals which are known to be carried by insects 

 in India. This list is exclusive of diseases (Scabies. Myiases, 

 etc.). caused directly by insects. 



