CHAPTER XIX 
INFECTIOUS DISEASES OF GEESE AND DUCKS 
GOOSE SEPTICEMIA 
History. Curtice in cooperation with Smith described several 
outbreaks of hemorrhagic septicemia among geese in Rhode Island. 
The disease occurred in one establishment among geese kept in lots 
of 300 each in fattening pens. The birds were assembled from 
various farms in numerous small lots, any one of which might have 
contained infected birds. Subsequent handling of the birds in the 
fattening pens involved separating them according to condition, which 
practice brought about extensive intermingling of birds. 
Etiology. The etiological agent is a member of the hemorrhagic 
septicemia group which has become well adapted to waterfowl, geese 
in particular. 
Pathogenicity. Geese are susceptible to infection by feeding cul- 
tures while ducks and hens are not. Geese, ducks, rabbits, mice and 
pigeons are susceptible to subcutaneous injection and hens are not. 
After exposure by feeding or by subcutaneous inoculation, death oc- 
curs in less than thirty-six hours. Feeding culture to a goose may 
cause death in less than seventeen hours. 
Symptoms. It is characteristic of the disease that birds are 
found dead at feeding time, mornings or evenings, without having 
shown sickness. Symptoms occasionally are observed during the 
last hour or so before death and largely concern the death struggles. 
The gait becomes uncertain, the head is burrowed in the dirt and 
is twisted. 
Morbid anatomy. There is considerable mucus in the throat 
and mouth, and very tenacious mucus in the nasal cavity. The veins 
of the head seem congested as if the bird had died of asphyxia. The 
mucosa of the intestine is studded with ecchymoses or larger hem- 
orrhagic areas. In about half of the cases, the liver is studded with 
necrotic foci. Epicarditis and pericarditis are present occasionally 
as also is involvement of the lung. 
Treatment. Medicinal treatment is unavailing. 
Prophylaxis. Preventive measures will include precautions 
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