REPORT OF THE VETERINARIAN. 



By W. REID BLAIR, D.V.S. 



ONE fact which has greatly impressed me in the study of the 

 diseases of wild animals is that in order to obtain the best 

 results, the statistical method should be used to a great extent. The 

 collection of a large number of cases, with a careful analysis of 

 recorded dates, can not but yield valuable conclusions. 



In this connection we are gratified to note that the London 

 Zoological Society is now engaged in the investigation of diseases 

 of wild animals that die in their Gardens. With the work of 

 the Philadelphia and Washington Gardens, where such investiga- 

 tions have been carried on for several years, we feel that we are 

 no longer alone in this field, that the boundaries of comparative 

 medicine will be constantly extended, and that the theories of the 

 past may fall before the revelations of the future. 



Pneumonia. — As in former years, a considerable number of 

 deaths has been due to pneumonia. Most of the cases met with 

 are well defined cases of lobar penumonia. The animals most 

 often afifected have been the primates, the next in order being 

 the hoofed animals. A number of cases of broncho-pneumonia 

 have been met with among the sea-lions and harbor seals. The 

 pneumonic condition in these animals is invariably fatal. Pneu- 

 monia is also a frequent complication in animals suffering from 

 gastro-enteritis and other diseases which tend to lower the re- 

 sistance of the body forces. 



We contemplate making a special study of pneumonia during 

 the coming year, especially among the primates, where its rav- 

 ages are most serious. Bacteriological investigations will be made 

 to determine whether the pnevmiococcus is constantly present in 

 these cases, or whether many other infective agents may not con- 

 tribute to the disease. 



Gastro-Enteritis. — Fewer deaths from gastro-enteritis have oc- 

 curred during 1906 than in any previous year. Among the buf- 

 falo herd, where this disease has previously been so troublesome, 

 no deaths are to be recorded. Throughout the past year the herd 

 has been maintained in fine condition. 



