An approach to defining the etiology of animal abortions

Attempts to define the etiology of abortions on a regular continuing basis have been few, and largely unsuccessful. Problems of such a project include cost, difficulty of securing satisfactory samples, a laboratory organization of sufficient breadth, capacity and dedication to perform and interpret the necessary examinations, knowledgeable cooperation of the practitioner, and past reliance on isolated findings substituting for sound criteria for diagnosis. A program was created which was intended to overcome the difficulties. The plan was so constructed as to permit addition or removal of procedures as indicated.