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A SHOET NOTE ON THE OCCUEEENCE OF A LEUCOCY- 
TOZOON INFECTION. HOST: THE OSTEICH. 
By J. Walker, M.E.C.V.S. 
(Eead May 15, 1912.) 
(Plate II.) 
In November, 1911, the writer was requested to investigate the cause 
of the mortaHty occurring amongst ostrich chicks on a farm in the Middel- 
burg District, Cape Province. The percentage of deaths on a number of 
farms, of ostrich chicks of about 6-8 weeks, is large, and from the following 
particulars furnished by the owner the losses have also been considerable 
on this farm. 
In 1910 out of a total of 745 hatched 351 were reared. 
In 1911 out of a total of 784 hatched 295 were reared. 
In 1909 the losses luere small, 360 were reared of a total of 365 
hatched. 
The cause of death was attributed by the owner to, in some instances, 
parasitic infection (intestinal) and liver disease, and in many cases it was 
unknown. 
A number of sick chicks of about 6-8 weeks old were examined ; the 
symptoms noted were disinclination to feed, loss of condition, stunted 
growth, paleness of the buccal mucous membrane, skin of body and 
around eyes bluish, inability to keep up with the rest of the brood when 
driven ; chicks were noticed sick some days before death. 
A number of post-mortems were held, with the result that death, in 
some instances, was found to be due to parasitic infection (Strongylus 
Douglasi, and Taenia). The absence of intestinal parasites was, however, 
noted in some cases, and the cause of death had thus to be disassociated 
with wire-worm and tape-worm infection. It was found that the usual 
method of rearing and feeding chicks had not been departed from, and the 
particulars furnished and observations made pointed to the existence of a 
disease of a specific nature. 
A microscopical examination of the organs showed no constant 
