144 



Diseases of Poultry 



parvus) found in horse manure. Whether the worm is an 



intermediate host or whether the nematode eggs simply 



cHng to the surface of the worm has not been determined. 



Several other species of the genus 



Heterakis also infest fowls and other 



poultry. 



At least one species of ascaris (Ascaris 

 inflexa) is found in the fowl. This is 

 a round worm white or yellowish-white 

 in color and from one to two inches 

 in length. If they occur in sufficient 

 numbers they produce considerable 

 irritation in the digestive tract. In- 

 fested birds appear unthrifty, lack 

 appetite and become emaciated. 



Occasionally this or other round 

 worms may pass from the cloaca into 

 the oviduct or egg tube. In this way 

 they may be incorporated in the albu- 

 men of an egg as it is formed in the ovi- 

 duct. 



Diagnosis. — The symptoms of round 

 worms are similar to those of all worms 

 (cf. p. 134). There is evidence of indi- 

 gestion. The comb becomes pale and 

 there may be diarrhea. 



Treatment. — The remedies men- 

 tioned on p. 139 for tape worms are 

 also useful for round worms. The remedy most commonly 

 advised is to give 2 grains santonine for each bird. Dis- 

 solve this in water and use to mix the mash. As recom- 

 mended on p. 141, all droppings should be collected and 

 examined, also put out of reach of the birds. 



Vale recommends the following : " Beat a new laid egg 



Fig. 23. — Heterakis 

 perspicillum. a, male. 

 b, female. X 2. (Af- 

 ter Salmon.) 



