ASCARID^ 243 



white and attenuated at its two extremities. The caudal extremity of 

 the male is straight, with lateral wings, and twelve papillae. The spicules 

 are unequal. The caudal extremity of the female is very slender. The 

 vulva is posterior to the middle of the body. 



Length of female, 10-15 mm. (3/8-5/8 of an inch); male, 7-13 nmi. 

 (5/16-1/2 inch). 



Eggs, elliptical, 63-71 microns in length by 38-48 microns in width. 



This species — nmch smaller than the preceding — is also common, 

 and lives in the cecum of the chicken, turkey, guinea fowl, pheasant, 

 pea-fowl, duck, and goose. 



Symptoms. — Heterakiasis of chickens is usually caused by Heter- 

 akis perspicillum. In general, the presence of the worms is indicated 

 by dullness and an indisposition to move about. Though the appetite 

 may be preserved, there is more or less emaciation, the feathers become 

 erect and lusterless, and the wings droop. If the condition is aggravated 

 the symptoms progress, diarrhea sets in, the appetite dwindles, the 

 comb becomes pale, and the creature, with eyes half closed, remains 

 huddled up and unmovable until death comes to its relief. 



In such cases necropsy will reveal the lesions of a subacute enteritis, 

 and frequently the presence of numerous tapeworms as well as round- 

 worms. 



Intestinal helminthiasis in fowls is often an accompaniment to diseases 

 presenting somewhat similar spnptoms, therefore care should be taken 

 that a coincidence does not mislead, and that such causes of high mortal- 

 ity as fowl-cholera be not overlooked. 



Treatment. — Sick birds should be isolated in clean bright quarters 

 and their droppings fvequentl}' removed and destroyed. As medicinal 

 treatment, probably areca nut is most effectual. This may be given to 

 full-grown birds in doses of eighteen to twenty-four grains, administered 

 in bolus made up with Hnseed meal or bread. Calomel, one to two grains, 

 given in the same manner, has also been recommended. 



Essentially, thorough cleaning up and disinfection are necessary to 

 the successful eradication of the parasites. 



