Mr Wallcy on Nematode Worms from a Chicken, etc. 25 



II. On some Nematode Worms from a Chicken, loith Remarks 

 on the Causes of recent Epizootic Parasitic Diseases 

 {with Exhibition of Specimens). By Principal Walley, 

 Veterinary College. 



Professor Walley exhibited (microscopically) specimens of 

 a nematode worm removed by him from the csecum and 

 colon of several chickens, amongst a number of which, at 

 Trinity, a verminous enzootic had made its appearance during 

 the past summer. The female worms measured from one- 

 fourth to one-half of an inch, the males from one-fourth to 

 one-third, and were found, some free in the bowel, others 

 buried partially or wholly in the mucous membrane of the 

 caecum or colon. The S3anptoms induced by these entozoa, 

 were lassitude, prostration, loss of appetite, emaciation, droop- 

 ing of head and wings, and fetid diarrhoea ; the post-mortem 

 revealed diffuse inflammation of the intestinal mucous mem- 

 brane, and in each case the contents of the caecum were pasty 

 in consistence, and of a very fetid odour. The treatment 

 adopted, which was successful in curing some cases, and 

 preventing the spread of the enzootic, was the administration 

 of purgations followed by vermifuges, as sulphate of iron, and 

 an entire change of food. One remarkable circumstance in 

 connection with this attack lay in the fact that a number of 

 young turkeys, which were associated with the chickens, 

 enjoyed perfect immunity from the visits of the unwelcome 

 guests. 



Professor Walley attributed the increase of verminous 

 diseases to the mild winters and wet springs which have been 

 experienced within the last few years, and stated that great 

 as had been the loss amongst the ponies of the Welsh hills 

 during the past year, it was nothing in comparison with that 

 which had taken place, and which had come under his own 

 notice, in- a different class of the same animals. As to 

 preventative measures. Professor Walley observed that all 

 animals should be kept in as perfect a state of health as 

 possible, avoiding debilitating influences ; that pastures should 



