5 88 
Supplement to the "Tropical Agriculturist." [February i, 1890 
Sanitary Officer in his last quarterly report described 
them in words almost identioal with those of the 
Secretary of the Oattle-Disease Commission, while 
suggestions for the construction of Oattle-pens on 
sanitary principles with due regard to proper ven- 
tilation, drainage, and space were made to the same 
effect. It is recommended most advisedly, that dur- 
ing the heavy bursts of the monsoon cattle should be 
allowed to remain in their sheds day and night, and 
supplied with a sufficiency of cut and dried grass and 
other food. Mauritius grass dried and stored is re- 
commended as an admirable adjunct to paddy straw 
for purposes of stall feeding, and its introduction 
to the rural districts of the country is strongly urged . 
Manioca is said to be admirably adapted, after boil- 
ing, for feeding store and working cattle. The rapid 
growth of fresh grasses after the first burst of mon- 
soon rains succeeding a protracted drought is recog- 
nized as a very frequent source of sickness among 
cattle at certain seasons of the year. It should be 
partaken of in the first instance very sparingly, 
supplemented with other food, and if possible after 
being partially dried. A small quantity of paddy 
straw might be given with the grass. The various 
forms in which cattle-disease exists in Oeylon have 
been brought together in a list, with the Sinhalese 
and Tamil names by which they are known. 
Sinhalese name. Tamil came. 
Pachana lede Vedippu 
Ordinary murrain ) 
with purging J 
Ditto with constipation Malabadde lede — 
Throat disease ... Uguru lede Paravu 
Mouth disease ... Kata leda Wai kanai 
Hoof disease ... Kuralede Kal kanai 
Distended stomach ... Kummoda adappan Uduwala 
Staggers ... ... Kallamari — 
The leading difference between the rinderpest of 
Europe and the murrain of Oeylon is the absence of 
eruptions on the skin. The Cattle Commissioners met 
with two cases in which the typical eruptions of 
rinderpest were present ; and cases of this nature 
were reported in a letter from the Ratamahatmaya to 
the Government Agent of the North-Western Province. 
If the name " murrain " is to be preserved in Oeylon, 
it must be admitted that the rinderpest of Europe 
is modified in the nature of its attack under the in- 
fluence of varying conditions in the tropics. The 
most marked similarity between the two seems to be 
the characteristic submucous hemorrhage and congestion 
of the 4th stomach. 
At any rate the Commissioners consider that in 
murrain we have to deal with a malignant fever of 
a highly contagious character, and the first and most 
important duty would be that of thorough disinfection. 
Carbolic acid is recommended most strongly as the 
most convenient and effective agent, and one by no 
means expensive. For washing walls and posts one 
wineglassfull should bo mixed with each pailfull of 
wash. For drinking purposes ono spoonful may L be 
mixed with 6 gallons of water. The cattle themselves 
may advantageously be sprinkled over with carbolic 
acid a tablespoonfull to a bucket. Where it is diffi- 
cult to obtain the acid the next best disinfectant i s 
sulphur vapour, or the same in combination with 
burning tar. The sulphur however cannot be used 
when the cattle are in the pens. Tar vapour unless 
very much concentrated has not this objection. All 
three may be employed together without interfering 
chemically with one another. It is also important 
that segregation and strict quarantine should be 
observed, The great, sl Jeanliness must be maintained ; 
all refuse and excreta being burnt. The smoke of large 
fires is to a great extent preventive of infection, and 
the use of wood ashes for the absorption of the 
injurious parts of all descriptions of filth should always 
be borne in mind, for its simplicity and effectiveness, 
and from the fact of the materials always being at 
hand. Even dry earth should not be despised as helping 
to keep sheds clean and sweet. Tar either when 
applied to the walls or posts, or when burnt, is 
principally effective on account of the carbolic acid 
contained in it. Lime, either dry or as white wash, 
acts locally as a purifier though being non- volatile, it 
does not rank highly as a disinfectant. Chlorine gas 
is a powerful disinfectant, though hardly so convenient 
as those mentioned above. The Commissioners empha- 
tically state that their experience has failed to impress 
tuem with a belief in any known curative measures. 
They however recommend, with a view to give the 
attached animal every chance of escape, that every 
full-grown animal should have, immediately after 
separation, half a pound of common salt dissolved in 
water, or the salt in combination with an ounce of 
sulphur. For a younger animal a less quantity in 
proportion, — and tepid water should be plentifully sup. 
plied if possible mixed with carbolic acid. The strength 
should be kept up with rice congee. Hot fomentations 
are advised where difficulty in swallowing appears. Of 
course any drugs to allay fever or to act as a tonic 
can be given as thought fit. But what mu6t be im- 
pressed upon cattle owners, is the necessity of disin- 
fection, now that we have the authority of a body 
of men who have spent much time and trouble in 
looking into the question, that the only way of stem- 
ming the progress of the disease is by destroying the 
power of contagion. Cattle owners must give up their 
belief, at least in this case, in curative treatment and 
come to see that they have a subtle enemy that all 
the decoctions of their naiive doctors cannot expel 
when once in possession, but that can be frightened 
away — by cheap disinfectants. I have known the case 
of a poor grass-man, who paid R25 to a native doctor 
when his animal was in extremis, who no doubt would 
have refused R3 for purchasing disinfectants that 
might have saved the life of the beast. This gives ns an 
insight into the mode of reasoning among our cattle 
owners, which mnst be first upset, before they can be 
expected to adopt the suggestions thrown out in the 
valuable phamphlet which I am noticing. 
C. D. 
