64 DISEASES OF DOMESTICATED BIRDS 
There is slight congestion of the lungs, and of the liver. The sur- 
face of the latter organ presents a few areas of necrosis. Some- 
times the liver contains no necrotic spots and is merely congested, 
but in some cases the necrosis involves a large area. The intestinal 
wall contains numerous small yellowish areas of necrosis which may 
be seen through the peritoneal surface. These may be exceedingly 
minute, or reach the size of a pinhead. In some cases the necrotic 
process appears in the form of ulcers, some of which may perforate 
the intestinal wall. In other cases the intestinal lesions may con- 
sist of mere reddened areas. 
Prophylaxis. It is likely that the removal of birds from the 
natural wild environment, interference with natural food supply, 
crowding in cages and shipment are the fundamental factors pre- 
disposing birds to infection. These undesirable conditions of un- 
natural crowding are difficult to correct. 
The cleaning and disinfection of shipping cages should be carried 
out very thoroughly. So far as possible, birds should be isolated 
in small lots during shipment. All possible precautions to prevent 
the contamination of feed and water should be carried out. 
Treatment. The nature of the disease and subjects are such as 
to prevent successful treatment. 
ASTHENIA IN FOWLS 
(GOING LIGHT) 
Characterization. The affection is characterized by extreme 
emaciation associated with reddening of the walls of the duodenum. 
History. Dawson described the disease as occurring in the vi- 
cinity of Washington, D. C. 
Etiology. The organism isolated from the duodenum of af- 
fected birds is designated Bacterium astheniew and is regarded as 
a variety of the colon species. 
Pathogenicity. Dawson was unable to induce disease in chick- 
ens by feeding organs or cultures, or by inoculating them intra- 
abdominally, subcutaneously and intravenously. Nevertheless he 
as inclined to believe that the organism in question was the cause 
of the disease. 
Dawson considers that the presence of the organism in the part 
of the alimentary canal where the digestive process is most active 
