[Penile inflammation in ganders].

Since 1987 penis-inflammation and -prolapse were observed in north-german breeder-geese. Up to 28% of the ganders showed local symptoms. In the females no clinical signs of cloaca-inflammation were seen. The general condition of the birds was good and there was no increased mortality. Egg production and fertility were not influenced. Bacteriological examinations of the altered penis-tissues revealed in different frequency microorganisms belonging to the genera Mycoplasma, Candida, Bacteroides, Clostridium, Streptococcus, Micrococcus, Staphylococcus, Corynebacterium, Escherichia, Proteus and Pseudomonas. Within 70 days only one third of the diseased ganders recovered completely, the others still showed penis-necrosis or -deformation. It is recommended to examine all ganders prior to each sexual season and to eliminate affected birds.