DISEASES AND PARASITES OF THE OSTRICH 227 
A smaller or greater amount of liquid is present in the pleuro- 
abdominal cavity and is occasionally colored red. 
Petechiew, ecchymoses or larger diffuse patches of hemorrhagic 
infiltration are observed on the ribs, on the pericardium, the per- 
itoneum and mesentery. Gelatinous infiltration of tissues also is 
observed. 
The pericardial fluid may be increased in amount. Hemorrhages 
and extensive hemorrhagic infiltrations occur on the endocardium 
and epicardium. The blocd in general is black in color, tarry in con- 
sistency and is either coagulated not at all or only partially. 
The lungs, proventriculus and gizzard are usually normal in ap- 
pearance. 
The small intestines usually show more or less intense infiltration 
with blood throughout the mucosa, which structure shows a uniform 
reddish discoloration. In some cases the hyperemia is irregularly 
distributed in patches and streaks throughout the length of the in- 
testines. The condition is visible from the serous surface of the in- 
testine. The acute inflammation may be found to be more pro- 
nounced in the colon where the mucous membrane is yet thicker. 
The surface of the mucosa is corroded, the submucosa is gelatinous 
and studded with hemorrhages, or softened and containing necrotic 
patches. The contents of the colon may include blood. 
The liver shows acute congestion, is enlarged and bluish in color. 
Blood escapes freely when the liver is incised. 
The spleen sometimes is normal in size and condition. However, 
usually it is enlarged and dark colored. The kidneys may be normal 
or congested, dark in color and friable in texture. 
Treatment. Theiler recommends carbolic acid diluted in water, 
in doses varying from one dram for a three months old bird to four 
drams for a two year old bird. 
Prevention. The preventive measures of isolation of sick and 
disinfection are very similar to those indicated in outbreaks of the 
disease among mammals. Carcasses preferably should be burned 
without opening or if this is impossible, should be buried in quick- 
lime at a good depth. All blood spilled at an autopsy as well as all 
excreta of infected birds should be burned. Abandonment of in- 
fected runs is desirable, but if this is impossible, the use of the 
Pasteur type of anthrax vaccine may be undertaken. 
Anthrax infection of soil constitutes practically a permanent con- 
dition. Opportunity for direct infection from the soil by contam- 
ination of feed, or by wounds will vary with seasonal conditions of 
