A note on the evaluation of tuberculin tests

Abstract

Extract

Sir,—Robertson (1963a Robertson, T. G. 1963a. N.Z. vet. J., 11: 6–6. [Taylor &; Francis Online] , [Google Scholar]), in discussing the evaluation of tuberculin tests, neither distinguishes between absolute and comparative evaluation nor recognizes that the evaluation of an ancillary test is merely a special case of comparative evaluation. The consequence of these shortcomings is his quite unwarranted conclusion (p. 8) that “the use of statistics based on the classification of slaughtered reactors only is of no value whatsoever in evaluating a test”. This statement is true only in the context of absolute evaluation.     

A vitamin e response in a young dog

Extract

This subject will be covered in three sections, first, a brief history of how the idea of using trained dogs to help the blind was conceived, then the present-day methods of training guide dogs, and, finally, how the blind person is trained with their guide dog to work together as a team.     

Letters to the editor

Sir;- Outbreaks of ovine abortions caused by Campylobacter fetus fetus (previously C. fetus intestinalis) occur sporadically in mimy areas of New Zealand. The devastating effects on some flocks have stimulated recent studies of the disease,^(1)(3)(7) and have also led to the commercial production of a single strain vaccine (Campylovexin; Wellcome N.Z. Ltd, Auckland). However, it has been shown that single strain C. Fetus vaccines do not protect against serologically distinct strains.⁽²⁾ Since at least two different serotypes of C. fetus fetus are present in New ZealandY) it is not surprising that the commercially available vaccine is only partially effective in some outbreaks.⁽⁷⁾     

A study of the pattern of staphylococcal contamination of the udders of cows in a dairy herd

Abstract

Extract

The results of the 1965–6 New Zealand national mastitis survey (Anon., 1967 Anon Ann. Rep. Res. Div. N.Z. Dept. Agric. 1966–67 1967 77 78  [Google Scholar]) indicated that β-haemolytic staphylococci were the most common bacteria isolated from the milk of dairy cows. Effective control of β-haemolytic stapyhlococci on a national scaledepends ultimately upon an understanding of population changes of this organism within the cow and within the herd.