INFECTIOUS DISEASES OF GEESE AND DUCKS 243 
such as restricting the number of birds in contact with one another 
and other similar precautions aimed at restricting the spread of in- 
fection. 
EXUDATIVE SEPTICEMIA OF GEESE 
Synonyms. Ansteckende Luftsackentziindung der Ginse, Ganse- 
Influenza. 
Characterization. Exudative septicemia is an infectious septi- 
cemic disease of geese distinguished by the formation of fibrinous 
exudate upon the pericardium, liver and intestines and caused by 
Bacillus anserum exudative. 
History. The disease has been observed by Frosch and Birn- 
baum, Loffler and also by Riemer.. Bugge studied a similar disease 
and while he does not give details concerning the organism present, it 
is possible that he encountered the same infection. 
Geographic distribution. The disease seems to have been recog- 
nized unquestionably only in Germany. The occurrence of the dis- 
ease among geese imported into Germany from Russia would indicate 
that it exists in the latter country also. M’Fadyean has described a 
septicemia observed in geese in England which resembles the disease 
in question in several particulars. 
Symptoms. The existence of the disease is first indicated by loss 
of appetite. The breathing may be accelerated, with the beak open 
and accompanied by a snoring sound. Coughing and choking may 
occur. The bird separates from the flock, squats frequently and rises 
with difficulty. Diarrhea occurs within 24 hours of death. The 
bird becomes progressively weaker and dies in from two to five days. 
Morbid anatomy. The most striking lesion is the presence of a 
fibrinous exudate upon various structures in the body cavity. The 
surface of the liver is covered by a thin, fibrinous, yellowish white 
layer which is easily detached. The exudate may extend between 
loops of the intestines, the air sacs, the pericardium and the epi- 
cardium. Fluid exudate may also be present. The pericardial sac 
contains serous, cloudy fluid. The bronchi in some cases are 
plugged with yellowish, fibrinous, purulent material. The liver 
is usually slightly enlarged and may contain small spots. The 
spleen and kidneys are also enlarged. The mucous membrane of 
the intestine is swollen, reddened and contains small hemorrhages. 
Etiology. The infection is caused by Bacillus septicemia an- 
serum exudative described by Riemer. This is a small slim rod 
varying in length from .5 to 1.5 microns and .5 to 1. micron broad. 
