238 DISEASES OF DOMESTICATED BIRDS 
the one certain symptom. The segments are always found on the out- 
side of the dung pellets. 
Treatment. Robertson recommends the use of petrol or motor 
car spirit, Pratt’s green label (gasoline). It is advisable to fast the 
chicks a little before dosing, but if weak and thin, they should not 
be starved before the first dose. The dosage for various ages as 
recommended by Robertson, is 
1 and 2 months old birds receive 1% oz. 
3 months old birds receive 1 oz. 
4 months old birds receive 2 oz. 
5 months old birds receive 3 oz. 
6 months old birds receive 4 oz. 
7 to 11 months old birds receive 5 oz. 
12 months old birds receive 6 oz. 
Full grown birds receive 8 oz. 
The petrol is given pure and not mixed with water. It volatilizes 
at a temperature below that of the body of the bird, and consequently 
permeates the whole intestinal tract in a short time. 
Care must be taken in drenching, for even a little fluid gaining 
aecess to the trachea may be followed by serious or even fatal con- 
sequences. In drenching birds, the entrance to the windpipe should 
be covered with the fingers of one hand while the bottle of petrol is 
passed over them. The head of the bird should be held up for a 
few minutes after drenching to prevent the possibility of regurgi- 
tation. 
Hutcheon has employed liquid extract of male fern in a dose 
varying from a teaspoonful for a young ostrich three or four months 
old, to a tablespoonful for a full grown bird. He has also used 
turpentine in a dose varying from a dessertspoonful to two table- 
spoonfuls. It is more effective when combined with a purgative such 
as linseed or castor oil. 
FILARIA OF THE OSTRICH 
A gigantic nematode of the ostrich, designated Filaria spicularia 
occurs in the subperitoneal connective tissue and also in the sub- 
lumbar region. The parasites vary in length from a quarter of a 
meter to a meter and are coiled together in such a complex manner 
that it is difficult to secure a whole specimen. The presence of 
the parasite appears to have no effect upon the health of the birds. 
