OKLAHOMA ACADEMY OF SCIENCE 37 



tention to this subject than do the European scientists. The same 

 condition prevails here as elsewhere, that where there is a lack 

 of accurate information there is an abundance of inaccurate be- 

 lief, among others, a belief in the infrequcncy and harmlessness of 

 parasitic infection. One factor which favors this condition of 

 affairs is the difficulty in many cases with which parasitic infec- 

 tion may be detected from its lack of clinical symptoms. Many times 

 diagnosis must be made through the examination of feces, urine, 

 blood and sputum, or even the examination of the flesh, as in the 

 case of infections with trichinae or certain bladder worms. 



It is encouraging to know that there is a growing interest 

 in the field of parasitology. The unusually large part which para- 

 sites play in the field of tropical medicine has compelled our physi- 

 cians and veterinarians to devote some attention to this branch of 

 zoology. In the southern states, and also in our Island possessions, 

 we are devoting much effort to campaigns against malaria and yel- 

 low fever, and to the problems of hookworm eradication. Stock- 

 men over the country are learning to know of the effects of 

 worm infestation in their herds. We know something of the 

 Texas fever tick, which is gradually being eliminated, from the 

 United States. Sheep men have learned that we have the stomach 

 worm and nodular worm which will destroy the sheep industry 

 unless the problem is attacked system,atically. Swine raisers know 

 that worms stand second in importance to cholera as a disease. Dog 

 fanciers are learning that they must keep their kennels free from 

 worms, lice and scab. Poultry men also have their problems witli 

 worm eradication. 



A few of the parasites which infest human beings and domestic 

 animals in Oklahoma will be briefly mentioned in this paper. These 

 arc taken up according to groups and discussed from that standpoint. 



Protozoa 



The parasitic protozoa which are commonly foimd here are of 

 great importance. Unfortunately, our records are so incomplete 

 we know practically nothing about their occurrence or distribution 

 so we can touch tipon them only very briefly. This group, how- 

 ever, is so closely associated with bacteria that the two groups are 

 usually classed together. 



Entamoeba pyorrhalis, an organism which is present and prob- 

 ably pathogenic, is more or less commonly associated with certain 

 types of pyorrhea. Hiitaiiiocba histolytica, the cause of amoebic 

 dysentery, has been reported (verbal) to the writer but has not been 

 verified by a written record. Other amoebae are undoubtedly pre- 



