1 Jury, 1899.] QUEENSLAND AGRICULTURAL JOURNAL. 71 
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 avon 
the thorough cleansing of the operator’s hands, instruments, &c., after each 
cow spayed. 
nife and hands could be further rendered asceptic by washing with an 
effectual antiseptic— 
(a) Carbolic acid 1 part, with 20 or 40 of water. 
(0) Corrosive sublimate 1 part, common salt 73 parts, water 1,000 
parts. 
(c) Zinc 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. 
TUBERCULOSIS IN CATTLE. 
Tux following report by Mr. S. S. Cameron, M.R.C.V.S. to the Victorian Board 
of Public Health, on the efficacy of the tuberculin test as a diagnostic of 
tuberculosis in cattle, the results of evidently carefully conducted experiments, 
is published for general information. Although conducted in another colony, 
the experiments are, in all respects—so far as the actual test is concerned— 
equally applicable to Queensland, and the results support the contention of 
_ scientists in other countries, that, when properly carried out, the tuberculin test 
is infallible. 
REPORT BY MR. 8. S. CAMERON, M.R.C.V.S. TO THE BOARD OF 
PUBLIC HEALTH, ON THE RESULTS OF HIS USE OF TUBER- 
CULIN IN CATTLE IN VICTORIA. 
The investigation, the results of which are given in the subjoined report, 
was directed by the Board for the purpose of inducing stockowners and 
dairymen to exterminate tuberculosis from their herds, and also of elucidating 
the question as to the measures to be taken in Victoria in connection with cattle 
for the reduction of tuberculosis in man . 
It had been shown, first in one and then in another part of the world, that 
tuberculosis was extensively prevalent among cattle. The transmissibility of 
the disease to man had been accepted by the highest authorities in those States 
where the matter had been investigated. And for the eradication of the bovine 
affection a reliable test, which was the first desideratum, had been found in 
tuberculin—a re-agent which, in competent hands, had proved to be, for practical 
purposes, all that was wanted. No sooner had these positions been established 
than the duty was recognised by the Governments of most civilised countries of 
affording to stockowners and dairy-farmers every possible aid in the extermi- 
nation of tuberculosis, State: moneys in large amount being voted for this 
special purpose—not so much for the protection of the pocket of the owners of 
cattle as for the protection of man against infection from cattle. 
It was for this and other purposes that Mr. Cameron was appointed, on the 
urgent representations of the Board, as veterinary inspector on their staff ; and at 
once the Board gave it out that Mr. Cameron’s services would be available to 
those who would consent to have any animal that, in the opinion of My. 
Cameron, reacted to the tuberculin test in a manner indicative of tuberculosis 
immediately slaughtered and examined after death. Myr. Cameron’s report — 
- shows the nature and extentof the work done by him in this direction. The 
result goes far towards demonstrating the same important truths as regards 
bovine tuberculosis in this country as had been found by other observers else- 
