INTERNAL PARASITES 201 
terior and posterior diaphragmatic reservoirs. They were globular 
or ovoid bodies 3 to 4 mm. in diameter, somewhat transparent and 
filled with a colorless liquid containing a parasite. Some were free, 
and others adhered slightly to adjoining tissues. The dithyridium 
has a milk-white body, varying in length from 1.5 to 2.5 mm. It is 
sometimes as broad as long and sometimes much longer than broad. 
An invaginated cestode scolex is present. 
MANSON’S EYE WORM 
At least 38 species of nematode worms have been reported as 
parasitic in the eyes of birds throughout the world. However, only 
one, Oxyspirura mansont, is known to affect com- 
mon domesticated birds. This has been found in eae 
fowls and peafowls. Ransom has reported upon its ; 
presence in the United States, and upon the preva- te toca ie 
lence of nematodes in wild birds. yspirura —_‘man- 
General description. The parasite known as “0M!)- | Male 
Oxyspirura mansoni or Filaria mansoni or Spi- below. Natural 
roptera emmerzii is a small white, thread-like ‘i (Ransom) 
worm slightly over half an inch in length and about as thick as a fine 
sewing needle. It is thickest in the middle and tapers toward the 
ends. The number present in the eyes may vary from a few located 
beneath the nictitating membrane to as many as 200. 
Symptoms. In some cases the worms are present in the eyes 
without causing apparent inconvenience. In more severe infesta- 
tion, symptoms of irritation become evident. The affected bird ap- 
pears uneasy and scratches the eyes. The latter show acute inflam- 
mation with abundant lachrymation. Subsequently white cheesy 
exudate collects within the conjunctive and upon the edges of the 
lids, causing them to adhere together. The inflammation extends 
to the tissues surrounding the eye and to the infra ocular sinuses. 
Eventually the whole eyeball becomes affected, with consequent de- 
struction of the organ. Catarrhal changes ales involve the nasal 
cavities. In severe cases the subject dies. 
Treatment. The first requisite to successful treatment consists 
in removing the worms. This may be done by the use of forceps or 
by irrigating the eyes with some solution such as bicarbonate of 
soda or a two per cent solution of creolin. When the worms are 
partially dislodged by the fluid, they may be entirely removed with 
a soft cloth. The inflammation may be alleviated by instilling into 
