6 BULLETIN 166, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



tiered mallein and the other sterile or saline water in quantities which 

 will make a 5 per cent solution of mallein. The content of the bottle 

 containing the fluid is poured into the bottle containing the mallein 

 powder and the test solution is thus prepared. The results with this 

 form of testing in Pennsylvania appear to be highly satisfactory, as 

 may be seen from a publication by Dr. Meyer on the " Conjunctival 

 reaction for glanders," in the May, 1913, number of the Journal of 

 Infectious Diseases. 



The advantages of the use of one as compared with the other of 

 these forms of mallein for the eye test are not marked, as equally good 

 results were obtained from the application of both forms of this 

 product. The fact that the preparation of the raw mallein is less 

 laborious and expensive than the mallein siccum and that it is ready 

 for use on opening the vial would probably give this product a greater 

 popularity. It is only natural, however, that in the event subsequent 

 extensive testings show the superiority of the dry mallein, it will be 

 given preference over the raw product. 



METHOD OF APPLYING THE TEST. 



Before the application of the ophthalmic test the animals should be 

 carefully examined to ascertain whether the eye shows conjunctivitis 

 or other changes winch are associated with suppuration. Should 

 such be present the test should not be applied. 



The test consists in introducing into the conjunctival sac of the 

 eye several drops of either undiluted raw mallein or a solution of pre- 

 cipitated mallein (0.1 to 0.2 c. c. per horse). This may be introduced 

 either with the aid of a camel' s-h air brush or with an eyedropper. 

 Only one eye is treated ; the other serves as a control for comparison 

 of the reaction. For the testing of horses in the same stable the same 

 dropper or camel' s-hair brush may be used for all the animals. 



The results of the test should be recorded as follows: 



X= Negative — eye unchanged. 

 S= Suspicious — seromucous discharge. 

 P-f =Positive — seromucous discharge with purulent flakes. 

 P-f +=]?ositive — distinct purulent discharge. 



P+ ++=Positive — purulent discharge with swelling of the eyelids. 

 P+ + + +=Positive — strong purulent discharge with swelling and gluing 

 together of both lids. 



