230 LATENCY OF AFRICAN COAST FEVER. 



of the researches of others in the Hght of my deductions does 

 not throw them into disorder except on minor points. 



The causation of coast fever infections by the injection of 

 Koch's granules are explanatory in two ways : — 



(o) If they are composed of schizont elements, they would 

 give rise to merozoites if injected in the autumn. 



(b) If composed of female forms, parthenogenesis might 

 arise. 



It was the above experiment that at first sight detracted 

 from my own conclusions, but not now. 



My deductions have not been tested by experiments con- 

 ducted within the quiet precincts of a laboratory free from 

 outside cares and interruptions, and they lack this confirmation, 

 but are the results of work performed under great difficulties?, 

 frequent intermissions and inadequate facilities for proper re- 

 search. I therefore invite laboratory investigation. 



My conclusions are more in keeping with the known de- 

 velopments of other protozoa, and they certainly oiTer an answer 

 to the hitherto inexplicable features encountered in the outbreak 

 of coast fever. 



The results of the investigations made may have far-reach- 

 ing consequences, and give rise to dififerent methods of 

 procedure. 



It will mean — 



(i) That cattle should not be allowed out of areas of latent 

 infection. 



(2) That freer movements of cattle could be allowed in 

 clean areas. 



(3) That transport movements should not be allowed in 

 endemic areas. 



(4) That compidsory dipiMng at three-day intervals will 

 have to be enforced in endemic areas during the months of 

 December to Tune inclusive. That this dipping will put coast 

 fever hors dc combat, for it will strike at the weak link in the 

 chain of the life-history of the Thcilcria parra, and cut off tlieir 

 lives before they arrive at the stage of harmful maturity, i.e., 

 before the red cells can be invaded, that period when the mor- 

 tality is so preponderant. 



(5) Combined with dipping, the change of pasture at the 

 proper periods will make assurance doubly sure. 



(6) The farmer need not be deprived of his livestock, for 

 by a dipping station centrally placed and the proper subdivision 

 of his farm he can effectively protect his cattle. 



(7) Cattle with the disease latent in them could be moved 

 with safety in the months of September, October, and Novem- 

 ber, when' destined to the abbatoirs for slaughter. 



The summary of my conclusions is : — 

 That during the development of the causal parasite of coast 

 fever a quiescent period is passed in the internal organs during 



