308 SPIROCHAETOSIS IN MAMMALS 
Sometimes one or both of these are absent. The organism is actively 
motile and moves like a corkscrew on its long axis by spiral undula- 
tions. The spirocheta are visible in the blood without previous stain- 
ing, if examined early in the stage of infection. They frequently run 
together forming loose bundles of radiating organisms. They stain 
with more or less difficulty. 
Symptoms. The infected geese become weak, lose their appetite, 
become dull in appearance and assume a sitting position. Diarrhea 
appears and the visible mucous membranes are pale. This condition 
continues for from 6 to 10 days when they die apparently from exhaus- 
tion. Their temperature reaches 108° to 110° F. It is reported by 
some that the geese have very painful swellings on the joints of the 
feet. This condition does not appear to be constantly present. 
Morbid anatomy. The geese become very much emaciated. The 
liver is hyperemic, swollen and of a brownish red color. The spleen 
may be much enlarged. It is of a dark purplish color, soft and friable. 
If the disease has lasted for a number of days the liver is found to be 
undergoing fatty degeneration and to contain numerous foci of necro- 
tic tissue. The spleen may also contain such areas. The intestines 
are very much congested or inflamed. The spirocheta disappear 
very soon after the death of the goose. 
Prevention. As the life history of the spirocheta is not fully 
known it is not always possible to state what precautionary measures 
are necessary other than isolating. It is reported that the organs of 
the dead geese in which the spirochetes have died or disappeared can 
be used in the preparation of a vaccine which confers a high degree 
of permanent immunity. The serum of immune geese is said to be 
both protective and therapeutic. Atoxyl is reported to be a specific 
therapeutic agent given in doses of 0.10 to 0.15 per 1000 grams of the 
body weight. It is stated that the serum can be prepared by infecting 
the geese and then treating them with this specific. 
SPIROCHAETOSIS IN MAMMALS 
Spirochaeta in mammals. A number of spirochetes have been 
found in different species of mammals but their disease producing 
power does not seem to be definitely understood. Experiments in the 
production of disease with spirochetes have not been altogether suc- 
cessful. We are unable at this time to look upon this genus as being 
of as much etiological significance in mammals as in fowls. 
