472 



VETERINARY BACTERIOLOGY 



and to respiration, and a progressive marasmus, frequently deter- 

 mined by intestinal complications." 



Bacteriological Diagnosis. An examination of smears from in- 

 fected membranes will show developmental stages of the organism. 

 The cysts may usually be demonstrated in the feces. 



Transmission. The disease is undoubtedly acquired by the 

 ingestion of cysts which have been given off in the feces of diseased 

 fowls. It is believed probable that wild birds may also become 

 infected, and aid materially in the dissemination of the organism 



Coccidium ctmiculi 



Disease Produced. Coccidiosis of the rabbit. 



Fig. 210. Coccidium cuniculi: a, 6, c, Schizonts, with production of mero- 

 zoites which may repeat the cycle or develop the sexual stage; e, f, g, develop- 

 ment of the macrogamete; h, i,j, 8, development of the microgametocytes and 

 microgametes; A;, mature coccidium, which encysts and divides to form four 

 sporoblasts; /, formation of the sporozoites and their liberation by a rupture 

 of the cyst (Schaudinn). 



Rivolta, in 1878, first described this organism from the rabbit 

 It occurs in the intestinal epithelium. It may be present without 



