B. r. KAUPP. 
050 
garded by some as causative agents, yet the short, slender bacillus 
with two or three chromatin granules, named the Bacillus abortus. 
and first isolated by Bang, is, to say the least, the most often 
found associated with this disease among cows. Considerable 
research work has been done by Professor Good, of the Ken¬ 
tucky Experiment Station, who has made considerable* study 
from an etiological standpoint, both among dairies and studs. 
In the latter there was considerable loss sustained among stand¬ 
ard bred and thoroughbred mares. From mares he has isolated 
a short, plump bacillus from the material of the aborting mares, 
which appears at least to be the cause of contagious abortion 
among mares in Kentucky. 
It is generally considered that the infection may reach the 
uterus before pregnancy, at time of copulation or find its way 
into the vaginal tract after conception. 
The organisms are found between the mucous membrane of 
the uterus and chorion of the fetal membranes. It produces a 
purulent, yellowish-white-like fluid. At the time of the expul¬ 
sion of the fetus there may be found a quart or more of this fluid. 
The germs may enter the circulation of the fetus by way of the 
placenta. In these cases the germs can be isolated from the in¬ 
ternal organs or blood of the fetus. 
The symptoms and method of detection of this disease is very 
important. There may be a slight yellowish-white odorless dis¬ 
charge from the vulva. The animal may appear dull and remain 
away from the herd. In lactating animals there is a usual falling 
off in the yield of milk. In heifers the udder appears suddenly 
larger, and enlargement of the vulva, as if parturition was ap¬ 
proaching. After the fetus is expelled the fetal membranes should 
be removed. Neglect of this has resulted in loss of the cow. The 
uterus should be irrigated with a mild warm antiseptic and all 
fluid later removed from the uterus. This should be continued 
till all discharge has ceased. The animal may now be bred. 
It is generally regarded that contagious abortion causes the 
expulsion of the fetus between the fifth and sixth month of 
gestation. It has been observed that in herds where contagious 
