MYCOSIS 563 
These figures hardly permit conclusions as to rela- 
tive vulnerability unless the large percentage of cases for 
the small number of Impennes, Gaviaj and Struthiones be 
permitted to stand. Judging from orders upon which 
there are at least one hundred autopsies, owls, ducks and 
eagles are most likely to suffer with mycosis. The per- 
centages are, however, not very convincing, and it would 
seem better with these data to conclude for the present 
that any variety of bird is susceptible to mould. Ostriches 
have long had the reputation of succumbing to this affec- 
tion, so that their outstanding position in the list is more 
easily credited. 
It was to be hoped that the various susceptibilities 
would assist in an explanation of the genesis of mould 
disease, but the result of the analysis is suggestive only 
in one direction which can be stated quite briefly. 
Ostriches, owls, shore and swimming birds have large 
stomata between the lungs and the lateral air sacs and 
show a high mould disease incidence. The natural thought 
is that access of mycelia and spores to the air sacs is 
facilitated. More comparative data is being assembled 
upon this point. Water birds are more susceptible to 
mould than land birds ; the percentages based upon cases 
and totals for orders is 5.4 to 3.7. 
The hygiene of mycosis is that of scrupulous cleanli- 
ness. Being hampered by incomplete knowledge as to 
its genesis one can only apply common sense measures. 
The germs having been found upon all the vegetable 
feeds, it naturally follows that they cannot be eradicated, 
but their colonization in large numbers can be prevented 
by repeated cleansing or sterilization of bins and pans 
so that no mouldy or musty material is given to the 
animals. At times of serious outbreaks sterilization by 
burning all old feed, starting fresh with good material in 
bins painted or saturated with disinfectant and then 
deodorized, is the only salvation. Where the blast lamp 
can be applied, it is the safest procedure. Autoclave 
