340 THE GROUSE IN HEALTH AND IN DISEASE 



expected, the heads were not readily detected in the necrotic masses contained 

 in the larger nodules, but were almost invariably seen in the smaller ones. In 

 a few sections the tapeworm could be traced through the mucosa to the nodule 

 in the muscular tissue in which its head appeared. In the earlier stage of the 

 nodular development there is a cell infiltration about the head of the worm. 

 This process continues until the infiltrated tissue reaches a considerable size. 



" The worms attached to the mucosa were usually small. A larger form 

 was commonly found in the intestinal contents. Although microscopically they 

 appeared to be different, Doctor Stiles found that they were presumably of 

 the same species. 



" Economic Importance. - - The importance of this disease is much greater 

 than it at first appears, as the close resemblance of the nodules to those of 

 tuberculosis renders it of much significance from the differential standpoint. 

 As the intestines are stated to be frequently the seat of the specific lesions of 

 tuberculosis in fowls, it is of the greatest importance that a thorough examina- 

 tion be made before a positive diagnosis is pronounced. There are already 

 several statements concerning the presence of tuberculosis in fowls in which 

 the data given are not sufficient to differentiate the disease from the one here 

 described. A somewhat analogous disease of sheep caused by a nematode 

 ((Esophagostoma columbianum Curtice) has led to the deliberate destruction 

 of many animals, the owners believing that tuberculosis was being eliminated 

 from their flocks. 



" As the inquiry into the cause of poultry diseases becomes more general it 

 is probable that this affection will be occasionally encountered, and unless its 

 nature is recognised it may in some instances, like the sheep disease, lead to 

 an unwarranted destruction of property. 



" In addition to its importance in differentiating tuberculosis it is in itself a. 

 malady worthy of careful attention. The fact that it has already appeared in 

 two flocks in the District of Columbia, and also in the States of North Carolina 

 and Virginia, shows that the infesting cestode is quite widely distributed in 

 this country. It is highly probable that the total loss it occasions, both 

 from deaths and from the shrinkage of poultry products, due to the chronic 

 course of the disease it produces, is very large." 



