Vle CONG. INTERN. REPROD. ANIM. INSEM. ARTIF., PARIS, 1968, VOL. I

The bacteria isolated from the pessaries and vaginae are
detailed in table 1. The source of bacteria was undoubtedly
related to the method of insertion and/or contamination and the
vaginal findings suggest some of the bacteria are part of the normal
vaginal flora. The finding of a preponderance of non-hemolytic
coliform bacteria is similar to previously reported findings (3,4)
and all of the results are in general concurrence with reported
work to-date. It is interesting to note that the majority of the
sheep pessaries were positive for bacteria whereas only 50% of the
goat pessaries were positive. The pessaries for both the sheep and
goats were from the same source and were applied and removed by the
same method. Species difference may partially explain the differ-
ence in bacteria spp. recovered from sheep and goats, however the
difference in recovery rate cannot be explained without further
investigation.

In summary, this_survey suggests that the bacterial flora
associated with Cronolone(EDpessaries will most often consist of
non-pathogenic bacteria. Simple sanitary precautions in the hand-
ling of the pessaries and applicator instruments should be all that
is required in most flocks or herds.

References and Acknowledgments -

(1) T.J. Robinson, 1964. Proc. Australian Soc. Animal Prod. 5:
47-52.

(2) Cronolone(EQ G.D. Searle Co., Chicagae, U.S.A.

(3) C.A.V. Barker, 1966. Can. Vet. Jour. 7:189-192.

(4) D.F. Wishart, 1967. Vet. Rec. :276-287.

(5) T.J. Robinson, 1965. Nature, Lond. 206:39.

(6) This work was supported by a grant from G.D. Searle Co.,
Chicago, U.S.A. and by the Province of Ontario Department of
Agriculture and Food, Toronto, Canada.

The assistance of Mrs. L. Ruhnke and Mrs. L. Ng, Diagnostic
Laboratory, Department of Bacteriology was greatly appreciated.

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