246 POULTRY CULTURE 



GIZZARD WORM 



Another worm, scientifically called the Spiroptera hamulosa, 

 and commonly known as the gizzard worm, has been known to 

 cause great losses among chickens. It is a round-worm, with 

 rather blunt extremities, and measures about % inch in length. 

 It inhabits the walls of the gizzard. 



Symptoms. — Birds so infested have been noted to grow lazy 

 or languid, pale comb, face, and wattles; emaciation, ravenous 

 appetite, and finally the bird dies. The worms are found 

 coiled in small nodules in the walls of the gizzard and are 

 readily seen in making an examination of the bird after death. 



Treatment. — Similar treatment is indicated as in other forms 

 of intestinal round-worms. On account of the fact that the 

 worms are embedded in the lining of the gizzard it is rather 

 difficult for any drug to reach them, and treatment has resulted 

 rather unsatisfactory. It is better to slaughter all birds of an 

 infected flock and thoroughly disinfect as for chicken-cholera, 

 and move the location of the poultry house and run if it is pos- 

 sible to do so and to start over with a new flock. Do not sell 

 them where they will be used for other flocks, as that will tend 

 to spread the contagion. No birds should be kept in the in- 

 fested quarters till at least one year has elapsed from the time 

 of disinfection and thorough cleaning of the house and runs. 

 Unless this cleaning is carried out in the minutest detail it will 

 be of no avail. A piece of dropping the size of a pea may 

 contain the embryo and serve to again introduce the contagion 

 into the flock. 



GAPE-WORM 



This is a worm which, when it gains a foothold, may prove 

 a scourge to the chick industry. This worm is commonly 

 known as the gape-worm, and scientifically called the Synga- 

 mus trachealis. 



The female reaches an inch or a trifle more in length. It is 

 round in shape, tapering at the posterior extremity. Its head 

 parts are provided with circular, chitinous, capsular mouth 

 parts, by which means it holds tenaciously to the mucous mem- 

 brane lining the trachea or windpipe of the young chick. The 



