028 INFECTIOUS DISEASES PRODUCED BY PROTOZOA 



ated areas filled with a soft caseated material. On cross- 

 section the liver will show darkened spots often surrounded 

 by degenerated areas, giving it a peculiar spotted or marbled 

 appearance. The organ is soft, friable, easily crushed between 

 the fingers. The infection produces a more or less rapid 

 necrosis of the entire liver substance. The ceca are much 

 enlarged and the mucosa swollen; later cases show ulceration 

 and degeneration of the membrane. Chronic cases exhibit 

 extensive ulcerations on various portions of the mucosa. 

 The fecal matter in the lower bowels is mixed with blood, 

 giving it a dark tarry appearance. The serous membranes 

 (pericardium, pleura, peritoneum, etc.) show evidence of 

 inflammation and effusion of fluid. The cavities (thoracic 

 and abdominal) may be partially filled with exudate. In 

 chronic cases dropsical swellings are often found in the 

 cavities and extremities. 



Symptoms. The disease is most often observed in young 

 turkeys, although in some outbreaks older birds are affected. 

 The early indications of the disease are purplish discoloration 

 of the comb and wattles, dulness, rough plumage, drooping 

 of the tail and wings, complete loss of appetite in most cases, 

 and a tendency for the bird to remain in a sitting posture for 

 long periods. During this period there is nearly always a 

 severe diarrhea. The discharges, being greenish-yellow in 

 color, have a very offensive odor. The birds gradually grow 

 weaker and become exhausted in a few days. Death occurs 

 in most cases in three to five days. In less severe, or chronic 

 cases, the birds lose their appetite or it becomes irregular, 

 and they gradually grow emaciated and weak. Some cases 

 will partially recover, and the bird will droop around for 

 several weeks. Other cases recover completely from the 

 disease. 



Diagnosis. This is made by considering the enzootic 

 character of the disease, its symptoms, and autopsy findings. 

 There is no other disease common to turkeys producing such 

 serious losses. Whenever the disease is suspected a micro- 

 scopic examination should be made of the discharges and 

 cecal contents. 



