tion of pregnant ewes with a cytopathogenic MDV of ovine origin.

It is concluded that the clinical condition in Australian sheep (Acland et a1 1972; Plant et a1 1976; Gard et a1 1976) is caused by a member of the Mucosal Disease group of viruses. Closely related or identical viruses are probably the cause of similar conditions reported overseas. The recovery of MDV from naturally-infected hairy lambs from 5 separate Hocks over the last 3 years (Plant unpublished results) adds further evidence for MDV being the aetiological agent of the con- dition in question.

Summary An experiment was designed to investigate

whether a condition in Australian sheep with clinical and pathological similarities to Border Disease was caused by the infection of the preg- nant ewe with a Mucosal Disease virus (MDV).

Forty ewes, at 58 to 63 days after mating, were inoculated with material from lambs in which all, some or none of the tissues examined contained MDV. The clinical condition was observed only in lambs born to ewes inoculated with MDV-positive material and then only to

cwes in the group which had serological evidence of MDV infection.

It is concluded that the Border Disease-like condition in Australian sheep is caused by the infection of the pregnant ewe with a Mucosal Disease virus.

Acknowledgment

Wc wish to thank Mr Loder for the care and attention given to the animals during the experiment.

References

Acland, Helen M., Gard, G. P. and Plant, J . W. (1972) -Airst. vet. J . 48: 70.

French, E. I-., Hore, D. E., Snowdon, W. A., Parsonson, I. M. and Urcn, June (1974)--Atrst. vet. J . 50: 45.

Gard, G. P., Acland, Helen M. and Plant, J. W. (1976) -Aid.sr. vet. J. 52: 64.

Hamilton, A. F. and Timoney, P. J . (1972)-Vcr. Rec. 91: 468.

Osburn, B. 1.. Clark, G. L., Stewart, W. C. and Sawyer, M. (1973)-J. A m . vct. nied. Ass. 163: 1165.

Plant, J . W., Littlejohns, 1. R . Gardiner, A. C.. Vantsis, J. T. and Huck, R. A. (1973)--Vct. Rec. 92: 4.55.

Plant, J . W., Acland, Helen M. and Gard, G. P. (1976)

(I<weii7id f o r piihlico/iori I7 Mtrrcli 1975)

- -Ai rst . vet. J. 52: 57.

BOOK REVIEW VETERINARY REPRODUCTION AND OBSTETRICS

In commenting on the significance of the change in the title of the latest edition of this book’$, Professor Arthur points out that although the care of female animals from conception to the puerperium is the key- stone of reproductive success, recognition of the factors which may affect fertility is of major importance. How- ever, the maintenance of the health of productive groups of animals depends upon accurate diagnosis and control of the problems of the individuals within the group.

The text is not a comprehensive review of all the literature within the field but relies particularly on in- formed reviews in contemporary journals. This policy has resulted in the production of an extremely valuable text- book for undergraduate and Dost-graduate students and ‘Veterinary Reproduction and Obstetrics (Formerly Wright’s Veterinary Obstetrics) 4th edn., G . H.Arthur, Bailliere Tindall, London, 1975, 616p SA25.50.

the veterinary practitioner. The book is divided into 5 parts. Part 1 deals with the control of the oestrus cycle, clinical embryology and teratology, pregnancy diagnosis, parturition and puerperium and the newborn. Part 2 considers dystocia and its manipulative treatments while the caesarian operation is dealt with in Part 3. Parts 4 and 5 deal with infertility in the male and the female respectively. While most of the content of the previous edition has been retained the present edition in- cludes new developments in all chapters and particularly, as expected, in those dealing with the regulation of reproduction cycles, teratology, foetal dystocia and in- fertility. The index is comprehensive, and the presentation and illustrations are excellent. It is recommended for graduates and undergraduates interested in veterinary reproductive biology and obstetrics.

M. J. Edwards

Australiuti Veteririnry Jourrictl, Vol. 52, June. 1976 249