A . E. Hamerton—Diseases of Aviary Birds



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If an infected bird is introduced, the aviary becomes grossly con¬

taminated, and other cases may follow, for the birds pick up the tubercle

bacilli in millions off the ground with their food, etc.


The following case is illustrative : A Crossoptilon Pheasant

(Crossoptilon auritum) died from “ enteritis ”. Examination with

a hand lens revealed minute white deposits scattered throughout the

whole extent of the intestinal mucosa. Smear preparations of the

faeces were examined microscopically. They resembled preparations

made from a pure culture of tubercle bacilli in the vast numbers of these

organisms revealed. Histological examination of the tissue showed the

deposits to be miliary tubercles in the mucosa and in the intestinal

villi, which were packed with tubercle bacilli. The potential infectivity

of this- bird needs no emphasis.


Another case illustrates localized quiescent tuberculosis : A Jackson's

Whydah bird ( Drepanojplectes jacksoni) lived in the Zoo for twenty-one

years, when it died from the pressure effects of an abdominal “ tumour ”,

the size of a filbert nut, that occupied the greater part of the abdomen.

The tumour was enclosed in a fibrous capsule, and contained caseous

material. Microscopical examination revealed masses of tubercle bacilli

in a structureless matrix, with giant-cell systems in the enveloping

capsule. The “ tumour ” was found to be the spleen ; its proper tissue

was destroyed. No other tuberculous deposits were found in the bird.

Despite the bird’s age and destruction of its spleen, its general condition

was good. It was in full nuptial plumage, and the testicles showed

normal seasonal activity. Interesting points in this case are : (1) The

partiality of the avian tubercle bacillus for the spleen of birds in contrast

to the rarity of tuberculosis of the human spleen ; (2) Birds, like man¬

kind, can get on very well without any spleen at all.


Mycosis is a common and fatal disease of the air passages due to

infection with fungi (moulds) of the genera aspergillus and penicillium.

It is characterized by the formation of a mouldy growth on the mucous

membranes of the air tubes, and of the air sacs in the thoracic and

abdominal cavities. The disease occurs mainly among exotic birds,

and is probably acquired under the insanitary conditions in dealers’

stores and on the voyage to England. We have seen whole consignments

of birds arrive, crowded together in cages fouled with mouldy excreta,



