Occurrence and Significance of Bacterium Pullorum in Eggs

Abstract

The problem of eradicating bacillary white diarrhea must needs assume still greater importance than heretofore, in the light of data recently acquired. Not only is it of, the greatest significance to eliminate the so-called “bacillus carriers” from all flocks of fowls from the standpoint of successful poultry breeding, but also because they constitute a possible source of danger to man.Eggs which harbor B. pullorum in the yolk in large numbers may produce abnormal conditions, when fed, not only to young chicks, but to adult fowls, young rabbits, guinea pigs and kittens. The toxicity for young rabbits is most pronounced, the infection usually resulting in the death of the animals. In kittens the most prominent symptoms are those of severe food poisoning with members of the paratyphi group of bacteria. The possibility of infected eggs causing serious disturbances in young children and in the sick and convalescent of all ages …