UDDER-TUBERCULOSIS 103 



In two cases (0.24 per cent.) actinomycotic rods were 

 taken for tubercle bacilli. The udder showed no tubercu- 

 losis, but extensive actinomycosis. 



In two cases (0.24 per cent.) acid-fast rods were mis- 

 taken for tubercle bacilli. The udder was now examined 

 and found to be free from tuberculosis. 



In one case (0.12 per cent.) tubercle bacilli were present 

 but mistaken for acid-fast rods, since the sample was very 

 badly contaminated. A new sample was sought, but not 

 obtained, since the cow had been sold in the meantime. A 

 guinea-pig was inoculated with the milk and developed 

 tuberculosis. In at least two other cases the same condition 

 was present, but the tubercle bacilli were found in the new 

 samples obtained. 



Later two cases were confused with pyogenes bacilli. 

 The udder, when examined, showed no tuberculosis, but 

 extensive pyobacillosis. Both of these milk samples, ac- 

 cording to my report, had presented a few tubercle bacilli, 

 which were very few, however, as only one tubercle bacillus 

 was found in two smears. Both samples contained numer- 

 ous pyogenes bacilli. Frequently a few pyogenes bacilli 

 were not decolorized and had been mistaken for tubercle 

 bacilli. 



The rather quick microscopic diagnosis of udder-tuber- 

 culosis gives very good results in spite of a few possible 

 errors. 



These errors may be eliminated to a great extent by 

 observing the following rules: 



1. The milk samples should only be taken from the 

 affected quarter or quarters. All the milk possible is re- 

 moved from the diseased quarter; in this way the bacillary 

 content is the greatest. If the quantity of milk is great, 

 the milk sample can stand for half an hour, when the upper 

 part may be poured off and the remainder, which contains 



