Pseudomembranous Stomatitis of Pigeons and Chickens. 69 



genuine diphtheria in man appears to have been thoroughly dis- 

 proved by the observations of Roux and Yersin. 



The following differential characters have been noted : 



Bacillus Diphtheria ( Klebs-Loffler) . 



1. In gelatine cultures grows only 

 . above 23° C. 



2. Kills Guinea pig and dog. 



3. Mice immune. 



4. Does not grow on potato. 



Bacillus Diphtherias Columbarum. 



1. In gelaiine cultures grows at 15- 



17° C. 



2. Guinea pig and dog nearly im- 



mune. 



3. Mice usually die with hepatic 



necrosis. 



4. Grows luxuriantly on potato. 



It may be accepted as demonstrated that the common diphtheria 

 of birds is essentially distinct from the genuine diphtheria of man, 

 and that when such diphtheria of the bird is conveyed to man as 

 has been often alleged (Richter, Gips, Bonig, Gerhart, etc.), 

 it is one of the forms of pseudo diphtheria that is produced, and 

 not that which is caused by the Klebs-Lceffler bacillus. Dr. V. 

 A. Moore, who has cultivated specimens of the bacillus diphtheriae 

 columbarum obtained from Germany, considers the germ as 

 belonging to the group of the bacillus coli communis, and as not 

 the cause of the chicken diphtheria in America. Further inves- 

 tigation must settle whether the bacillus diphtherise Columbarum 

 is the one cause of this affection in Europe, and what is the 

 microbian cause or causes of the disease in America. 



Extensive investigations by Dr. W. B. Mack, of this college, 

 show that special conditions, not yet clearly defined, are neces- 

 sary for infection from bird to bird. 



Incubation. This is very variable. False membranes may 

 form in twenty-four hours in some cases ; in other cases they 

 may be delayed from four to fourteen days (Colin, Babes, 

 Puscarin, Marinescu). 



Symptoms. There is dullness, prostration, sunken head, ruf- 

 fled feathers, altered hoarse voice, drooping wings, wheezing 

 breathing, difficult deglutition, sneezing, and patches of dark red 

 congestion in the fauces covered with a thin film, at first translu- 

 cent, but soon becoming dense, adherent, opaque, whitish or 

 yellowish. As it becomes older this deposit becomes granular, 

 wrinkled, dry and friable. It is more adherent in chickens than 

 in pigeons and causes bleeding when detached. Necrotic changes 

 may take place in the mucosa leading to considerable loss of 



