638 PARASITIC DISEASE. 



which destroys eight-tenths of our fowls in many parts, and 

 takes place in the greatest degree among young turkeys and 

 chickens bred upon established farms. Chicks and poults, 

 in a few days after they are hatched, are found frequently to 

 open their mouths wide and gasp for breath, at the same 

 time sneezing, and attempting to swallow. At first the 

 affection is slight, but gradually becomes more and more op- 

 pressive, and ultimately destroys. Very few recover; they 

 languish, grow dispirited, droop, and die. It is generally 

 known that these symptoms are occasioned by worms in the 

 trachea. I have seen the whole windpipe completely filled 

 with these worms, and have been astonished at the fowls 

 being capable of respiration under such circumstances." 



What Dr Wiesenthal wrote last century applies well to 

 gapes as prevailing in different parts of this country at the 

 present time. Pheasants and partridges are also liable to 

 the disease. Dr Spencer Cobbold says: 



" This parasite has been found and recorded as occurring in the 

 trachea of the following birds, namely, the turkey, domestic cock, 

 pheasant, partridge, common duck, lapwing, black stork, magpie, 

 hooded crow, green woodpecker, starling, and swift. I do not doubt 

 that this list might be very much extended if our British ornithologists 

 would favour us with their experience in the matter. Hitherto I have 

 been surprised to find how few of those to whom I have mentioned the 

 subject appear to be acquainted either with the nature of the parasite, 

 or with the various methods to be adopted in curing the disease to 

 which its presence in the windpipe gives rise." 



In the calf, the parasites are found in large numbers in 

 the trachea, or partially developed in the substance of the 

 lungs. It is the strongylus micrurus which is found in the 

 calf, and occasionally in the horse and ass. In lambs and 

 kids, the parasite is termed strongylus filaria; and in the 

 pig it is strongylus contortus. In gapes, the parasite is 

 sclerostoma syngamus. 



