38 



HEALTH AND DISEASE 



the Board of Agriculture in order that the necessary measures may be 

 adopted. 



Use of Mallein in the Detection of Glanders. — Before the dis- 

 covery of mallein, a few years ago, the only test which could be applied 

 in doubtful cases was the inoculation of an ass with the nasal discharge. 

 Later on, guinea-pigs were found to answer the purpose even better, and 

 Dr. Woodhead employed a double test by inoculating the most susceptible 



Fig. 214. — Inoculating with Mallein 



animal, a guinea-pig, and at the same time a comparatively unsusceptible 

 one, a rabbit. 



If the guinea-pig died after exhibiting distinct symptoms of glanders, 

 and the rabbit recovered after showing slight signs of fever, as a rise of 

 temperature with local irritation, or slight ulceration, it was concluded that 

 the horse was affected with glanders. 



The use of mallein, however, is a much more delicate test, because it is 

 equally effective when applied to horses which are not suspected, or at least 

 exhibit no sign of disease of any kind, but are known to have been in the 

 same stable with a glandered horse. Mallein is prepared by cultivating 



