FOWL CHOLERA 41 
birds. All these possibilities, except perhaps the last two, suggest 
appropriate defensive measures. 
EDEMA OF THE WATTLES OF FOWLS 
Characterization. Edema of the wattles is an infectious dis- 
ease involving the wattles and which usually runs a chronic course. 
History. The disease has been described by Seddon who ob- 
served it among fowls in the suburbs of Melbourne, Australia. 
Etiology. From all acute cases it is possible to isolate a short 
rod indistinguishable from the one causing fowl cholera. In view 
of this fact and since fowl cholera is very common in the region 
in question it is likely that the wattle lesion merely represents a 
localized chronic form of disease caused by the fowl cholera bac- 
terium. 
Pathogenicity. Scarification of the wattle of fowls and rubbing 
in of culture in one case resulted in general illness, conjunctivitis, 
edema of wattle, diarrhea and formation of necrotic material. The 
bird when killed showed little change beyond the head lesion which 
was found to contain the organism that was inoculated. Another 
fowl inoculated in the same way showed edema and necrosis at the 
point of inoculation. The bird subsequently displayed immunity 
to infection through scarification or by subcutaneous injection of 
virulent culture. A hen receiving one fourth c.c. of culture intra- 
muscularly died in 24 hours and showed septicemic lesions at au- 
topsy. 
The disease occurred spontaneously among White Leghorns pos- 
sessing large wattles. These brushed on the ground during feeding, 
which offered an opportunity for injury and infection. Wounds re- 
ceived during fighting offer another opportunity for entrance of 
virus. 
The pigeon is killed by intramuscular inoculation of culture. 
Rabbits succumb to the infection with lesions of hemorrhagic sep- 
ticemia. 
Symptoms. There is sudden enlargement of the wattles due to 
more or less distention with fluid. In the beginning stage the wat- 
tles are hot, dark red in color and upon incision a clear fluid exudes. 
The birds manifest symptoms of general illness, loss of appetite, ete. 
Sometimes there is conjunctivitis. Subsequently there is gradual 
absorption of fluid accompanied by thickening of the wattle by 
fibrous tissue. Nodules sometimes form in the tissues beneath the 
