. 
318 - QUEENSLAND AGRICULTURAL JOURNAL. [1 Ocr., 1898. 
CONCLUSIONS. 
When we consider, firstly, the abdomen to be a closed cavity, and which 
we understand a receptacle impervious, under normal circumstances, to the 
atmospheric air ; secondly, the accepted notion that a contagious disease cannot 
arise de novo, but as a result of the introduction from without of a special 
virus or germs of a particular disease; and, thirdly, that the train of evidence 
brought to light at the autopsies almost always showed distinctly the picture 
of an undoubted inoculation-tuberculosis, as the tuberculous processes in the 
abdominal cavity were found in the neighbourhood of the seat of inoculation, or, 
when absent there, were recognisable at other places of the peritoneum, I can 
only come to the conclusion that tuberculosis, in the majority of these animals, 
was introduced traumatically—namely, by the operation of spaying—and that 
the contagious material was furnished and transported from the minority of 
the same mob, which were affected with tuberculosis prior to the operation of 
Spaying, and which subsequently exhibited on post-mortem the malady in the 
generalised form. 
To further support this conclusion, I may state that, from records of 
experiments which have been made to demonstrate the transmissibility of 
tuberculosis, the lesions consequent of inoculation (intra-peritoneal) are 
similar in characteristics to those exhibited in these cows. 
NECESSARY MEASURES FOR PROTECTION. 
Ifit were possible to estimate the diminution’ of wealth which occurs by 
reason of preventable losses among stock, even jin the course of one year, 
many no doubt would be considerably astonished. 
I speak designedly of avoidable losses, for many cattle could be saved by 
the application of scientific principles and resources, especially when the 
methods which science would dictate in such cases are not difficult to under- 
stand nor to exercise. 
It has been shown also that the disease is a contagious one, hence the 
necessity in the selection of subjects and strict antisepsis. 
Whenever practicable, it would be a wise precaution to draft out those 
suspected of ill-health from amongst the mob to be spayed. _ Operate on the 
sound beasts first, and then on others according to degrees of indifference. 
To prevent the infection of healthy animals by contagion, an ample supply 
of water and soap (Calvert’s carbolic 20 per cent. in preference) is essential for 
the thorough cleansing of the operator’s hands, instruments, &e., after each 
cow spayed. 
Knife and hands could be further rendered aseptic by washing with an 
effectual antiseptic— 
(a) Carbolic acid 1 part, with 20 or 40 of water. 
(2) “Corrosive sublimate 1 part, common salt 73 parts, water 1,000 
parts. 
(c) Zine chloride 1 part, water 80 to 100 parts. 
(d) Sodium hydrofluosilicate.—A recently discovered, effectual, non- 
poisonous,’cheap germicide, used in proportion of 1 part to 500 
water. 
