Pullorum Disease in the Coot

Among specimens collected on March 8, 1945, at Buckeye Lake, Ohio, were a number of coots (Fulica americana). When the latter were examined for parasitic infection, it was noticed that the ovary of one specimen was deformed, and much enlarged when compared with those of other birds of this species collected on the same day. No other lesions were detected macroscopically, and the bird appeared to be in normal physical condition. The ovaries resembled those found in chickens affected with pullorum disease, and a pure culture of Salmonella pullorum was recovered.