FOR THE YEAR ENDING THE 31ST MARCH 1938.                9

QUARANTINE STATIONS ON INTER-DISTRICT TRADE ROUTES.

3. The Veterinary Inspection post at Htaukkyan, 22 miles from
Rangoon, was continued during 1937-38 and 15,505 animals were
inspected while in transit to Rangoon.

This post has now given the information required regarding the
control and supervision of trade animals and it is proposed to close the
post at the end of the year.

It has been shown that, unless such posts are sited in a position
which geographically or by other means (railways) compels traders to
keep to the main road with their herds, they will take every opportunity
of avoiding inspection of their animals, even though this means many
more miles of travel.

The usefulness of inspection posts has been demonstrated in
preventing the spread of disease but it would be necessary to make
provision for the inoculation of all animals by Rinderpest vaccine, in
addition to the inspection of animals and detention of suspects, if the
scheme is to be successfully operated on the main trade routes
throughout the Province. Immunization against Rinderpest of all
animals which pass through infected areas should be the primary
object of the Inspection Posts and the rapid production of immunity
within a few days, coupled with the slight reaction which the
vaccination gives rise to, justifies this immunization being carried
out. To give effect to this it will be necessary to amend the
Inoculation rules and until this has been done it is useless to attempt
control of contagious disease on the main trade routes in Burma by
Veterinary Inspection and Quarantine only.

This question will be investigated during 1938-39.

                        FRONTIER POSTS.

4. Inspection of animals for contagious diseases on importation by
land routes from adjoining countries was carried out during the open
season of the year (October to May).

Animals as per the following statement were inspected at the posts
of entry indicated :—