Annual Meeting 1131 



have been advocated by various authorities for nearly all if not 

 every infectious disease. Kesults, however, are conflicting, and 

 with few exceptions methods of immunization have not been per- 

 fected to the extent that warrants their recommendation as a 

 means of control. There has been such a rapid succession of 

 immunizing jjrocedures that it is impossible to j^redict the final 

 results. Already the use of vaccines is complicating specific 

 diagiiostic tests; but after more research and experimentation 

 definite knowledge on these points will be recorded and the true 

 worth of the newer methods will be determined. One often feels 

 in connection with the multiplication of these new and highly 

 recommended procedures the truth of the lines of Schiller, " We 

 must have foolishness even to exhaustion before we arrive at the 

 beautiful goal of calm wisdom." While every encouragement 

 should be given to the development of immunization as a means 

 of preventing infection, it would seem to be a safer procedure, 

 with the diseases for which it is possible, to center attention on 

 the elimination of the virus. The feeling of safety that domi- 

 nates one who has placed his confidence in immunization permits 

 relaxation in reference to infection. If the method employed is 

 not efficient it is worse than nothing. There is no half-way posi- 

 tion. The virus must be kept away or the animals must be 

 immunized absolutely against it, if the desired protection is 

 secured. Partial immunization or temporary resistance tends to 

 modify not to prevent the disease. 



The etiology of most infectious diseases with which we have to 

 deal and the specific methods of making an early diagnosis are 

 sufficiently well known to enable veterinarians to guard against 

 the usual methods of dissemination. A great deal of excellent 

 work is being done and never before did the outlook seem so 

 bright for complete mastery of those infections. The trouble lies 

 in getting at the cases that escape or that are carriers of the virus 

 and which start up the disease anew after it is thought that it has 

 been eradicated. The essential factors here are the acquisition of 

 further information concerning the period of incubation; the 

 recognition of chronic cases ; better methods for detecting 

 arrested and occult ones and the detection and elimination of 

 " carriers." To this must be added a greater appreciation of the 



