108 NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



caused by the abstraction of blood from the intestinal mucosa 

 from the action of these parasites. One of the most frequent of 

 these intestinal parasites found in the animals of the dog family 

 is the ankylostoina diiodcnalc, a worm chiefly found in the duo- 

 denum, where it attaches itself to the mucous membrane by hook- 

 like spikes with which it is provided. These parasites often give 

 rise to severe anaemias, "Egyptian Chlorosis" of man being 

 caused by its presence. It has been shown that it may remain 

 in the intestine for a long time after the primary infection. The 

 eggs of the parasite are oval shaped, and enter the intestine 

 through infected food or drink ; here they undergo partial de- 

 velopment, and leaving the gut develop still further in foul water. 

 Entering the intestine again through this means they develop 

 into sexually mature parasites, and the ovae are then discharged 

 in the faeces of the infected animals. 



CESTODES 



Of various types are frequent in the intestines of the animals 

 at the Park ; in several instances death has been caused by them. 

 They are particularly frequent among the snakes, notwithstanding 

 the care which is exercised in the selection of food for these ani- 

 mals. These parasites always enter in infected meat. 



There can be no doubt but that the intestinal parasites fre- 

 quently induce conditions at least predisposing to the develop- 

 ment of fatal disease, hence care should be exercised in the pre- 

 vention of this infection. This can in a measure be carried out 

 by inspection of the stools of recently acquired animals before 

 they are admitted to general enclosures. Frequently also when 

 the parasites are found in the faeces, if the attention of the veter- 

 inarian be called to the fact, proper treatment may relieve the 

 animal and prevent the extension of the disease to other animals. 

 It is self-evident that all food should be inspected for parasites. 



In last year's report I mentioned the finding of the mischcr- 

 schen schleuche (Rainey's corpuscles) in the heart-muscle of one 

 of the elk, where it created sufficient disturbance to cause the 

 death of the animal. It was mentioned at this time that, accord- 

 ing to the literature on the subject, invasion of the myocardium 

 by the parasite is rare, and it is generally looked upon as inno- 

 cent in most cases. This view of the parasite has been advanced 

 by Ostertag, and is endorsed by such authorities as Pfeiflfer and 

 Ziegler. These investigators do not consider it as highly infec- 

 tious, and Pfeififer was unable to infect animals experimentally. 

 Pfeiffer's conclusions have, however, been disproven by the re- 



