Theory and Practice of Dipping 
204 
Had these cattle been dipped as soon as a rise in temperature was 
observed, we think it probable that they would have recovered. This 
however is a different matter to the killing of the pathogenic organisms 
before they can propagate. The point was tested by us at Elliotdale, 
on a large practical scale, and found to be correct. The details of this 
experiment are given in Appendix VIII, from which it is seen that 
500 head of cattle remained free from disease for a period of eighteen 
months during which they were able to produce young and increase 
to 620 head. 
Subsequently the Glovernment Veterinary Department adopted a 
system of inoculation against East Coast Fever, in place of dipping, but 
in consideration of the expense and trouble involved in the system of 
inoculation, together with the losses occasioned thereby, we venture to 
express our opinion that the practice of dipping would have proved to 
be superior. 
We hoped to be able to continue our experiments in British East 
Africa, but the Government officials refused to grant facilities to enable 
us to carry out systematic work. However, we purchased a farm in an 
area reported to be badly infected with East Coast Fever and placed 
100 head of stock upon it. Three died in the first month after which 
no further deaths from East Coast Fever occurred. 
These experiences, especially those at Elliotdale, showed that 
cattle could be kept alive and increase by dipping; but it remains to 
be ascertained for how long, after ceasing to dip, cattle remain immune 
to East Coast Fever when running on infected pasture. It is possible 
that they will not act as carriers of East Coast Fever for a period of 
several days after dipping. If this point could be proved, it would 
be possible to relax the present system of quarantine set up in some 
of the infected areas so as to allow some movement of stock. Under 
present conditions, if East Coast Fever breaks out, the affected farm 
and the surrounding area are placed in quarantine for fifteen months 
and all movement of stock is prohibited—a great inconvenience and the 
cause of considerable pecuniary loss. In a country where oxen form 
the chief means of transport, the prohibition of movement of stock is 
a very serious matter, but, until it can be definitely proved that- dipping 
does confer such immunity, at least for a certain period, the quarantine 
system is absolutely necessary. We believe, however, that sufficient 
evidence has been obtained to indicate that in systematic dipping 
there lies a means of bringing about such a relaxation of these irksome 
regulations as would enable farmers to make a turnover on their stock. 
