Bacterial flora of the conjunctiva and nasal cavity in normal and diseased captive bustards.

A survey was carried out to describe the normal aerobic bacterial flora of the conjunctiva and nasal cavity of captive houbara bustards (Chlamydotis undulata), kori bustards (Ardeotis kori), and white-bellied bustards (Eupodotis senegalensis) maintained at the National Avian Research Center, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. A total of 58 samples were examined from the nasal cavity and 55 samples from the conjunctiva of healthy bustards. There was no bacterial growth in 45% of conjunctival samples. Bacteria isolated from the conjunctiva of healthy birds included Micrococcus spp., Staphylococcus auricularis, Staphylococcus xylosus, Staphylococcus capitis, Staphylococcus warneri, Bacillus spp., and Enterobacter amigenus. Bacteria isolated from the nasal cavity of healthy birds included Bacillus spp., Micrococcus spp., S. auricularis, S. xylosus, Staphylococcus simulans, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Staphylococcus hyicus, Staphylococcus cohnii, Staphylococcus sciuri, Aerococcus spp., and Providencia rettgeri. These findings were compared with bacterial isolates from bustards with clinical signs of ocular or upper respiratory tract diseases. Mycoplasma spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas stutzeri, Proteus mirabilis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp., Aeromonas hydrophila, and Staphylococcus aureus were the pathogenic bacteria isolated from the conjunctiva of 34.3% bustards with ocular discharges. Mycoplasma spp., P. aeruginosa, Pseudomonas spp., P. mirabilis, E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and S. aureus were the pathogenic bacteria isolated from the nasal cavity of 74% bustards with upper respiratory tract diseases.     

Bacteriological investigation of infectious keratoconjunctivitis in Norwegian sheep

Contagious keratoconjunctivitis is a rather common disease in Norwegian sheep. Since the knowledge of its aetiology is limited, the present study was performed to determine the microorganisms involved. Local veterinarians throughout the country collected conjunctival swabs from both sick (n = 43) and healthy (n = 42) sheep on 15 farms with outbreaks of ovine keratoconjunctivitis, and further from healthy sheep (n = 50) on 17 farms not showing any signs of conjunctival disease. All samples were cultivated for bacteria and mycoplasma. Listeria monocytogenes was isolated from 3 cases (1%) in one single herd. Staphylococcus aureus (5%), Corynebacterium spp. (2%) and Escherichia coli (4%) were isolated only in herds with keratoconjunctivitis, but from both sick and healthy animals. Moraxella (Branhamella) ovis was isolated from 28% of sampled animals in affected herds and from 10% of sampled animals in healthy herds. The corresponding numbers for Moraxella spp. were 9%/12%, for Pseudomonas spp. 7%/8%, for Staphylococcus spp. 22//22%, for Bacillus spp. 12%/14%, for Micrococcus spp. 6%/2% and for Streptococcus/Enterococcus spp. 2%/2%. Mycoplasma conjunctivae was isolated from 16 animals with keratoconjunctivitis (37%) and from 3 animals without clinical signs (7%) in farms with keratoconjunctivitis. In farms without clinical signs of keratoconjunctivitis, M. conjunctivae was isolated in 4 animals (8%). To our knowledge, this is the first time M. conjunctivae has been isolated in Norway. Other predisposing agents found were Moraxella (Branhamella) ovis and Listeria monocytogenes. The etiological importance of different microorganisms in ovine keratoconjunctivitis seems to vary; some are probably only present as secondary invaders. Other possible causes of ovine keratoconjunctivitis in Norway, such as Chlamydia psittaci, remain to be investigated.     

Etiologic significance of bacterial isolates from rams with palpable epididymitis

Identified and partly identified bacterial isolates were obtained from 48 rams of various breeds that had unilateral or bilateral epididymitis. Most of the animals were approximately 1 year of age; a few were older. Brucella ovis, Actinobacillus spp, Corynebacterium spp, Haemophilus spp, Acinetobacter spp, Escherichia coli, Moraxella spp, Staphylococcus spp, Pasteurella spp, Streptococcus spp, and Chlamydia psittaci were isolated. A vaccine strain of B ovis, isolated species of bacteria, and mixtures of isolates of tissue homogenates containing all isolates except B ovis and C psittaci were inoculated via the mucous membranes of the eyes, nares, and prepuce. Palpable epididymitis was not produced by the inoculations. The vaccine strain of B ovis induced complement-fixation reaction in 11 of 20 rams.     

Detection of Mycoplasma conjunctivae in sheep affected with conjunctivitis and infectious keratoconjunctivitis

AIM: To determine the aetiology of a recurring and severe form of infectious keratoconjunctivitis (IKC) in sheep. METHODS: Five sheep flocks that had experienced a severe form of IKC were examined. Clinical history, conjunctival swabs and blood samples were collected from affected animals. Culture for bacteria, and also specifically for Mycoplasma and Chlamydophila spp, and detection of Mycoplasma conjunctivae DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were attempted. Serum samples were tested for antibodies to M. agalactiae, M. capricolum, M. conjunctivae and Chlamydophila spp. RESULTS: Mycoplasma conjunctivae DNA was detected using PCR in 3/5 flocks, and in all flocks antibodies to M. conjunctivae were detected in sera. A pure growth of Branhamella ovis was cultured from conjunctival swabs from a small proportion of sheep in two flocks. No other pathogens were detected. CONCLUSIONS: This investigation demonstrated that M. conjunctivae was a primary pathogen causing severe IKC in sheep, and is the first report of detection of this organism in sheep in New Zealand. Introduction of clinically normal carrier sheep appeared to have caused the outbreaks. KEYWORDS: Infectious keratoconjunctivitis, Mycoplasma conjunctivae, Chlamydophila pecorum, Branhamella ovis, polymerase chain reaction, ELISA, complement fixation test.     

Humoral Antibody Responses of Swine Infected Experimentally with Group E Streptococcus I. Whole Cell Agglutinin Response

Reference streptococcal antisera and sera collected from swine infected experimentally (by intranasal inoculation or contact exposure) with group E Streptococcus (GES) were studied in a tube agglutination system using whole GES cells.

Specificity studies revealed common group specific antigen among GES serotypes I and III, GES strains devoid of type specific antigen (untypable by ring precipitin testing) and group P and group U Streptococcus. The group specific antigens were not agglutinated by GES type specific antisera or by group specific antisera against Streptococcus groups A, B, C, D, F, G, H, K, L, M, N, or O. Results of the study suggested that GES serotypes I and III are invalid; i.e., they are devoid of type specific antigen.

Groug E Streptococcus type specific antigens II, IV, and V were agglutinated significantly only by their homologous antisera.

Experimentally infected swine developed significant titers against both the group and type specific antigen of GES. Antibodies appeared from three to eight weeks postexposure and persisted for the duration of the experiment (six months). The potential utilization of the whole cell agglutination (WCA) test for detection of GES carrier swine is discussed.

     

Survey of conjunctival flora in dogs with clinical signs of external eye disease

Bacteria were isolated 68% of the time from the conjunctival sacs of 120 dogs with conjunctivitis, blepharitis, dacryocystitis, or corneal ulcerations. Coagulase-positive Staphylococcus aureus was the most frequently isolated organism (68%); when both eyes were affected, S aureus was recovered from 29% of the dogs; and in dogs with 1 eye affected, S aureus was isolated from 23% of the affected eyes and in 18% of the nonaffected eyes. Other organisms recovered from eyes were coagulase-negative Staphylococcus epidermidis (27%), beta-hemolytic streptococcus (19%), alpha-hemolytic Streptococcus (17%), Escherichia coli (10%), Bacillus spp (11%), and Proteus spp (7%). It was concluded that S aureus may appear as a primary pathogen in ocular disease. When 1 eye is clinically affected, S aureus can be a potential invader of the normal eye.     

Detection of Mycoplasma conjunctivae in sheep affected with conjunctivitis and infectious keratoconjunctivitis

AIM: To determine the aetiolog y of a recurring and severe form of infectious keratoconjunctivitis (IKC) in sheep.

METHODS: Five sheep flocks that had experienced a severe form of IKC were examined. Clinical history, conjunctival swabs and blood samples were collected from affected animals. Culture for bacteria, and also specifically for Mycoplasma and Chlamydophila spp, and detection of Mycoplasma conjunctivae DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were attempted. Serum samples were tested for antibodies to M. agalactiae, M. capricolum, M. conjunctivae and Chlamydophila spp.

RESULTS: Mycoplasma conjunctivae DNA was detected using PCR in 3/5 flocks, and in all flocks antibodies to M. conjunctivae were detected in sera. A pure growth of Branhamella ovis was cultured from conjunctival swabs from a small proportion of sheep in two flocks. No other pathogens were detected.

CONCLUSIONS: This investigation demonstrated that M. conjunctivae was a primary pathogen causing severe IKC in sheep, and is the first report of detection of this organism in sheep in New Zealand. Introduction of clinically normal carrier sheep appeared to have caused the outbreaks.     

Infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis and lymphofollicular hyperplasia of the third eyelid in heifers

On a dairy cattle farm, infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis was diagnosed in 29 (24%) calves and heifers aged from 2 weeks to 1 year old. The highest infection rate (18%) occurred in animals aged 3-6 months. The bacteriological examination of swabs from the affected animals yielded several species of bacteria: Moraxella bovis, Neisseria ovis, N. cuniculi, plasma coagulase-negative Staphylococcus spp., alpha-haemolytic Streptococcus spp., Arcanobacterium pyogenes and Escherichia coli. Moraxella bovis and N. ovis were the most common isolates. Hyperplasia of the lymphatic tissue of the third eyelid in the form of nodules 7-8 mm in diameter was diagnosed in two heifers aged 8 and 10 months.     

Investigation of bacterial microorganisms in the conjunctival sac of clinically normal dogs and dogs with ulcerative keratitis in Beijing, China

Objective To determine the bacterial microorganisms in the conjunctival sac of clinically normal dogs and dogs with ulcerative keratitis in Beijing, China. The effect of breed, sex and age of dogs and season on the presence or absence of bacteria in the conjunctival sac of clinically normal dogs was evaluated. Sample population This investigation included 240 healthy dogs, 27 dogs with unilateral corneal ulcer and one dog with bilateral corneal ulcer. Procedure The 480 samples from healthy dogs and the 29 samples from dogs with ulcerative keratitis were incubated in an aerobic and 5% CO₂ environment at 37 °C for 48 h. Logistic regression analysis was performed. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.01. Results Of 480 normal eyes, Staphylococcus spp. were the most frequently isolated organisms (40.29%). Neisseria spp. (11.47%) were the next most frequently isolated organisms, followed by Corynebacterium spp. (9.4%). Of 29 eyes with ulcerative keratitis, Staphylococcus spp. were also the most frequently isolated bacteria (47.06%). Streptococcus spp. (12.94%) and Pseudomonas spp. (8.24%) were the second and third, respectively. Season (P = 0.002) was a significant factor influencing presence or absence of bacterial microorganisms in the conjunctival sac of normal dogs in Beijing, China, while the effects of breed (P = 0.095), sex (P = 0.588) and age (P = 0.866) of dogs were insignificant. Conclusion Staphylococcus spp. were the most frequently isolated organisms, and S. intermedius predominated in the conjunctival sac of clinically normal dogs and dogs with ulcerative keratitis in Beijing, China. The likelihood of detecting bacteria depends on the season.     

Clinical disorders observed in anteaters (Myrmecophagidae,Edentata) in captivity

The major health problems found in 103 captive lesser anteaters (Tamandua tetradactyla) and giant anteaters (Myrmecophaga tridactyla), family Myrmecophagidae, are presented and correlated with management. The most common of 200 recorded clinical disorders involved the digestive system (26%), nutritional deficiency (20%), injury (15.5%), respiratory system (10%), skin (7%) and circulatory system (4.5%), but 13% of the cases were inconclusive. Parasites were identified in 48.5% of faecal samples, mainly the eggs of nematodes (40%), of which the commonest wereTrichuris spp (28%) andStrongyloides spp (11%); protozoa (16%), of which the commonest wereEimeria spp (10%),Entamoeba spp (5%) andGiardia spp (1%); and cestodes (8%) and acanthocephalids (1%). Bacteria cultured from the various materials includedSalmonella enteritidis, S. cholerasuis, Escherichia coli, Enterobacter aerogenes, Streptococcus spp andStaphylococcus spp. The ectoparasites found wereAmblyomma spp andOtodectis spp (Arthropoda, Acaridae).     

Epidemiological and microbiological study of an outbreak of infectious keratoconjunctivitis in sheep

After several thousand sheep had been imported from Australia and New Zealand to Croatia during 1995, many native sheep that had been in contact with the imported animals acquired a severe ocular disease closely resembling infectious keratoconjunctivitis. In affected flocks glucose-fermenting mycoplasma were isolated from 48 per cent of conjunctival swabs and Branhamella ovis from 58 per cent. Twelve of 42 culturally and biochemically identical isolates were identified as Mycoplasma conjunctivae by polymerase chain reaction. From the conjunctivae of two animals M conjunctivae and M arginini were isolated in mixed culture. For many reasons most farmers removed the imported animals from their flocks and only sporadic cases of the disease were recognised in 1996. At the end of 1997, six flocks which were clinically free of the disease but had been affected during 1995, and five flocks with no history of the severe ocular disease were examined clinically and microbiologically, and were found to be free of M conjunctivae infection. At the time, B ovis was cultured almost exclusively from sheep originating from flocks which had been affected during 1995 and/or 1996. It was usually isolated in pure culture or as the predominant bacterial species, and was often accompanied by mild conjunctivitis. There were no microbiologically confirmed new cases of infectious keratoconjunctivitis during 1998 and 1999.     

Epizootiologic Studies of Shipping Fever of Cattle: I. The Microbial Agents Isolated

Nineteen strains of Pasteurella spp., but no viruses cytopathogenic for bovine embryonic kidney cells were isolated from pneumonic lesions present in “normal” veal calves at slaughter.

In studies on two herds of native cattle and six lots of western feeder calves, Pasteurella spp. were isolated from nasal swabs from healthy cattle and those with shipping fever. Viruses of the psittacosis-lymphogranuloma group were isolated from nasal swabs from animals in five groups. Viruses provisionally identified as bovine enteroviruses were isolated from nasal swabs of calves in two lots.

There was serologic evidence of a temporal association of myxovirus para-influenza 3 (PI3) with shipping fever in three lots of calves. From two of these three lots, strains of PI3 were isolated from ten animals, four of which had clinical shipping fever at the time of virus isolation.

     

Normal ocular features, conjunctival microflora and intraocular pressure in the Canadian beaver (Castor canadensis)

Objective The aim of the study was to assess the ocular features, normal conjunctival bacterial and fungal flora, and intraocular pressure (IOP) in the Canadian beaver (Castor canadensis). Sample population Sixteen, apparently healthy beavers with no evidence of ocular disease, and live‐trapped in regions throughout Prince Edward Island. Procedures The beavers were sedated with intramuscular ketamine (12–15 mg/kg). Two culture specimens were obtained from the ventral conjunctival sac of both eyes of 10/16 beavers for aerobic and anaerobic bacterial and fungal identifications. The anterior ocular structures of all beavers were evaluated using a transilluminator and slit lamp biomicroscope. Palpebral fissure length (11/16 beavers), and horizontal and vertical corneal diameters (10/16 beavers) were measured. IOPs were measured in both eyes of 11/16 beavers using applanation tonometry. Both eyes of 3/16 beavers and one eye of 1/16 beavers were dilated using topical tropicamide prior to sedation to effect timely maximal dilation. Culture specimens and IOPs were not evaluated in these four animals. Indirect ophthalmoscopy was performed on 7/8 eyes of these four beavers. Results Conjunctival specimens from all eyes cultured positively for one or more isolates of aerobic bacteria. The most common isolate was Micrococcus spp. (five beavers; 9/20 eyes). Other isolates included a Gram‐positive coccobacilli‐like organism (four beavers; 7/20 eyes), Aeromonas hydrophila (three beavers; 4/20 eyes), Staphylococcus spp. (three beavers; 4/20 eyes), Gram positive bacilli (one beaver; 2/20 eyes), Enterobacter spp. (two beavers; 2/20 eyes), Streptococcus spp. (two beavers; 2/20 eyes), aerobic diphtheroids (one beaver; 1/20 eyes), and Pseudomonas spp. (one beaver; 1/20 eyes). Clostridium sordellii (one beaver; 1/20 eyes) and Peptostreptococcus spp. (one beaver; 1/20 eyes) were the sole anaerobic bacteria isolated. All conjunctival specimens were negative for growth of fungi. Ophthalmic examinations revealed the normal beaver eye and ocular adnexa included dorsal and ventral puncta, a vestigial third eyelid, and a circular pupil. Average palpebral fissure length was 9.36 mm (SD = 1.00) for both eyes. Mean horizontal and vertical corneal diameters of both eyes were 9.05 mm (SD = 0.64) and 8.45 mm (SD = 0.69), respectively. Mean IOP for the right and left eyes were 17.11 mmHg (SD = 6.39) and 18.79 mmHg (SD = 5.63), respectively. Indirect ophthalmoscopic examinations revealed normal anangiotic retinas. Conclusions Gram‐positive aerobes were most commonly cultured from the conjunctival sac of normal beavers, with Micrococcus spp. predominating. The overall mean IOP in ketamine‐sedated beavers was 17.95 mmHg. The beaver, an amphibious rodent, has an anangiotic retina.     

Humoral Antibody Responses of Swine Infected Experimentally with Group E Streptococcus II. Antistreptokinase and Antistreptodornase Responses

Swine infected experimentally with group E Streptococcus (GES) produced significant antibody titers against streptokinase (streptococcal fibrinolysin, SK) and streptodornase (streptococcal deoxyribonuclease, SD). The antibodies directed against SK (antistreptokinase, ASK) appeared two to nine weeks postexposure and persisted for the duration of the experiment (nearly six months). The ASK inhibited SK produced by GES antigenic types III, IV, and V, by GES devoid of type specific antigen, and by a group P Streptococcus. Selected strains of GES serotypes I and II and group U Streptococcus did not produce detectable SK.

The antibodies directed against SD (antistreptodornase, ASD) appeared two to three weeks postexposure, reached a peak about six weeks postexposure, and persisted at high levels for nearly six months (the duration of the experiment). The ASD inhibited SD produced by all known antigenic types of GES, by GES devoid of type specific antigen, and by strains of groups P and U Streptococcus. The antibodies failed to inhibit SD produced by group C Streptococcus.

The potential utilization of ASK and ASD titers as serological means of identifying swine infected with GES (carrier swine) is discussed.

     

Susceptibility of alpine ibex to conjunctivitis caused by inoculation of a sheep-strain of Mycoplasma conjunctivae

We evaluated the susceptibility of alpine ibex (Capra ibex ibex) to mycoplasmal conjunctivitis induced by a strain of Mycoplasma conjunctivae isolated from domestic sheep by inoculation of three alpine ibexes with 1.2×10⁶ colony forming units of M. conjunctivae in the conjunctival sac of both eyes. One more ibex was exposed to the infection by contact. Experimental animals were free of M. conjunctivae and ocular Chlamydia infection before inoculation. Conjunctivitis and serous to mucous lachrymation became apparent in all four ibexes. Clinical signs began within 2 days in inoculated animals and 22 days after the beginning of the experiment in the contact ibex. M. conjunctivae was demonstrated up to the 63th day post-inoculation by cultural and PCR-methods. After 63 days, histopathologic examination revealed nearly normal ocular tissues, and M. conjunctivae could be detected from two eyes only. No other infectious agents which might cause conjunctivitis or keratitis, including Chlamydia psittaci and Branhamella ovis, were involved. Our investigation indicates that sheep-strains of M. conjunctivae can induce conjunctivitis in alpine ibex, thus showing pathogenicity of this organism for Caprinae species other than domestic sheep and goats.     

Studies of Escherichia coli in Gnotobiotic Pigs VI. Effects of Feeding Bacteria-Free Filtrates of Broth Cultures

Nine gnotobiotic pigs derived from one gilt were fed bacteria-free filtrates prepared from: 1) cultures of an enteropathogenic strain of Escherichia coli 09:K·:NM (Strain 340), 2) cultures of a nonenteropathogenic strain of E. coli 08.K·.H16 (Strain CDC-1466-56), and 3) uninoculated culture medium.

Diarrhea was observed initially two to four hours after feeding the filtrate prepared from the enteropathogenic E. coli. The duration of diarrhea was five to ten hours. No diarrhea was observed after feeding filtrate prepared from uninoculated medium or cultures of nonenteropathogenic E. coli.

The pH values of the feces increased with the onset of diarrhea and decreased to normal after diarrhea stopped.

No histopathological lesions were found.

     

The Anthelmintic Activity of Cambendazole in Calves and Lambs

Tests were carried out on the efficacy of Cambendazole (5-isopropoxy carbonylamino-2-(4-thiazolyl) benzimidazole) against lungworm and gastrointestinal parasites of calves and lambs. Against Dictyocaulus viviparus the compound was highly effective (80%) against mature worms at levels of 35 mg/kg and over and immature “arrested” worms at 60 mg/kg (71% efective).

In the Calves the compound was very effective (90 to 99%) against adult Haemonchus placei, Ostertagia spp., Trichostrongylus axei and Cooperia oncophora at all levels tested (15, 20, 25, 30, 40 and 60 mg/kg). Against adult Nematodirus spp. dosages of 30, 40 and 60 mg/kg were 81%, 94% and 99% effective respectively

Against arrested Ostertagia spp. larvae, a dosage of 60 mg/kg was 90% effective. Immature stages of Cooperia spp. were susceptible at all levels used but those of Nematodirus spp. required levels of 60 mg/kg for 99% removal.

In the lambs the compound was highly effective against immature and mature nematodes when given orally at all levels tested from 15 mg/kg to 30 mg/kg. Significant reductions (81%) in Moniezia expansa scolices were also observed at dosages from 15 mg/kg to 30 mg/kg.

     

Acute Atypical Bovine Pneumonia Caused by Ascaris Lumbricoides

A case of acute atypical pneumonia (bovine asthma, pulmonary emphysema, or pulmonary adenomatosis) occurred in a group of cross-bred beef type yearlings in late autumn. Clinical signs included a forced expiratory grunt, excessive salivation, ruminal stasis and, on auscultation over the lungs, pulmonary emphysema and oedema. The cattle had been brought in from a poor summer pasture and housed in a pig pen heavily contaminated with Ascaris lumbricoides eggs as it had contained unwormed feeder pigs all summer.

Fifteen out of seventeen head were affected ten days following housing and all within twenty-four hours. One steer of the group died and at necropsy fourth stage A. lumbricoides larvae were isolated from lungs showing profuse oedema and some emphysema. Histopathological examinations of the lungs showed a diffuse interstitial pneumonia. All remaining animals appeared clinically normal six days following the outbreak.

     

Gastro-intestinal nematodes of gazelle,Gazella subgutturosa,in Iran

Sixty-five gazelles, Gazella subgutturosa, of different ages and sexes, from different National Parks and Protected Regions of Iran, were examined over a period of 2 years, for gastro-intestinal nematodes. All of the examined animals were infected with one or more nematode species. The following species were found: Marshallagia marshalli, Camelostrongylus mentulatus, Ostertagia occidentalis, O. circumcincta, Trichostrongylus colubriformis, T. vitrinus, Nematodirus gazellae, N. oiratianus, N. spathiger, N. archari, N. abnormalis, N. filicollis, N. sugatini, Nematodirella cameli, N. longissimespiculata, N. antilocaprae, N. gazelli, Skrjabinema ovis, Trichuris ovis, T. gazellae, T. skrjabini and T. discolor. Among the species found, Marshallagia marshalli, Nematodirus spp. and Nematodirella longissimespiculata were the most prevalent helminths.     

A Study of Complement-fixation and Serum Agglutination Tests on Vibrio fetus Infected and Immunized Cattle

Complement-fixation (CF) and tube agglutination (TA) tests for demonstration of Vibrio fetus antibodies were conducted on the sera of three groups of ten heifers. One group was vaccinated subcutaneously with a commercial V. fetus var venerealis bacterin and challenged intra-utero, at the external os cervicus one month later; the second was infected only and the third vaccinated only.

The vaccinated cattle developed high CF serum titers, but no such increase was observed in animals infected only. A moderate increase in serum antibody titers was demonstrated by the TA test following either infection or vaccination; although titers observed were not higher than those observed in the sera of some apparently normal uninfected animals. The group receiving both vaccine and challenge was the only one in which significant serum antibody titers were demonstrable by the TA test. The sera of these animals also had significant titers in the CF tests.

The CF and TA tests detected serum antibodies produced by the parenteral inoculation of V. fetus antigen. These two tests were of limited value in detecting serum antibodies from animals with genital V. fetus var venerealis infection, although the formation of local antibodies was demonstrable by the vaginal mucus agglutination test.