Brucellosis of Cattle

BRUCELLOSIS, an insidious disease commonly referred to as contagious abortion or Bang's disease, has caused heavy losses to the cattle industry every year, largely through reduced milk production, the OSS of calves by premature birth, and sterility* Brucellosis may spread very rapidly in a susceptible herd, many of the animals contracting thé disease within.a few weeks after they are exposed to the causative agent. The disease is caused by a germ known as BniceUa abortus^ which is introduced into healthy herds by the addition of infected cows or infected pregnant heifers. Bmcella germs may be in the uterus or the udder of cows, in the generative organs of bulls, in certain lymph glands and joints, and in the intestines and other organs of newly born calves. Diseased cows eliminate the germs in the fetus, afterbirth, and uterine discharges for limited periods, and in the milk for prolonged periods. The malady appears to be commonly acquired through the »mouth in feed and drink contaminated with the germs, or by licking infected animals, contaminated mangers, or other objects to which the germs may adhere. The skin and the membranes lining the eyelids may also provide an entrance for the abortion germ. Proof that bulls transmit the disease through the act of service is lacking. It was not until 1896 that the organism responsible for bovine brucellosis was discovered by Professor Bang, noted Danish research worker. The existence of such a malady has been known for more