.2. REESE L{BRARY [ €>1- I III" f UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA. [ /<(Vr/:r./ /^-^^v, .moo. J Relative Position of Skeleton and Soft Parts of Fowl. The Diseases ot Fouliru BY D. E SALMON, D. V. M., Chief of the IT. S. Bureau of Animal Industry. THE FEATHER LIBRARY. PCBUSHKI) BI-MONTHI.V AT WASHINGTON, D. C, in GEORGE E. HOWARD & CO. ^UBSCKIPTIOX PRICE 52.50 A YKAK. VOL. I, NO. 3, JULY 1899. Entered at the Post Office at Washintfioii. U. C, as second-class mail matter. ^<^ "^ 6^ • ^'v- cA 7 (^ 3 y '/' COPYKir.HTED AND PRINTED GEORC.E E. HOWARD & CO., Washington, D. C. PREFACE. The author has for years given attention to the dis- eases encountered in the poultry -3'ard, and long since became impressed with the desirability of a sj's- tematic treatise on the subject. The pamphlets, by various authors, which have appeared in the English language have been verj' useful, but they have been far too brief, they have not contained the results of modern investigations and they have lacked illustra- tions. There have been more extensive monographs in German, French and Italian, but these have been, for the most part, sealed books to English-speaking poultrj'men. It has been necessary for the author to examine much of the literature of this subject in order to keep abreast with the progress of science and to reply in- telligently to the numerous inquiries which he has received. The notes thus made led to the writing of a number of articles for the press, which were so well received and brought out so manj' requests for more information, that it was decided to fill in the parts which had not been touched upon and produce a small reference book for the use of those interested in the subject. This volume is the result, and it is hoped that it maj' prove useful to the thousands who are an- nually under the necessity of struggling with the problem of disease in the poultry -yard. The author has, in the preparation of this work, consulted with much profit the Medccine des o/seanx. of Pierre Megnin, the liucyclopdlir Cadeac. The Dis- eases of Poultry l)y J. Woodroffe Hill, the Compara- tive Anatomy and Physiology of \'ertebrates by Richard Owen, the Iraitc dr zoidoiiic viedicole ct agri - (idf ])y A. Railliet, Pic k'rankhcitcu dcs Haus,i>c- /Incgrls \)y Friedrich Anton Znern Neumann's Para- sites and Parasitic Diseases of Domesticated Animals, translated by Fleming, and the bulletins and circulars of the Bureau of Animal Industry prepared bj' Theo- bald Smith, V. A. Moore, C. W. vStiles and A. Has- sall, as well as many valuable articles in the veterinary' periodicals. If this volume is the means of attracting more at- tention, in this countrjs to the diseases of l)irds, if it saves a part of the loss which now occurs from such diseases, and if it serves to mitigate the sufferings of these uncomplaining but highly sensitive creatures, the purjwse of the author will be accomplished. D. E. Salmon. CONTENTS. 26 PREFACE . . • • . . 5 CtlAPTEK I. Intkoduction. . ... 13 The Poultry Iiidustrv— Health and Disease— The Organs and Apparatus and Their Functions- Common Causes of Disease— Hyg-ienic Require- ments— Disinfection Objects of Medical Treat- ment. CHAP rER II.— Diseases of the Organs of Respika- TION. ...•••• Structure and FunctioTi— Simple Catarrh Roup, Contagious Catarrh— Bronchitis— The Gapes, Verminous Tracheo-Bronchitis, Syngamosis— Con- gestion of the Lungs, Pulmonary Congestion- Pneumonia Mycosis of the Air-Passages, Asper- gillosis— The A'ir-Sac Mite. CHAPTER III. Diseases OF the Organs ok Diges- tion. . . • • • • . • General Remarks Concerning the Digestive Organs— Obstruction of the Beak Inflammation of the Mucous Membrane of the Mouth, Pip, Catarrhal Stomatitis Thrush, Aphtha- Diph- theria— Psorospermosis Aspergillosis Croupous Angina Obstruction of the Pharynx Catarrh or Inflammation of the Crop Paralysis of the Crop, Impacted Crop, Obstructed Crop Abnormal Appe- tite, Aberration of the Appetite Catarrh of the Proventriculus, Intlammation of the Stomach, (iastritis. CHAPTER IV.— Diseases OF the Organs of Diges- tion (Continued). . . • • • Gastro-Intestinal Catarrh, Simple Diarrhea, Gas- 66 88 tro-ICiitcritis, Kiiteritis Constipation, Intestinal Obstrnction Toxic Gastro-E^nteritis Bacterial Enteritis Asthenia, (ioing^ Liyht- Psorosperniic- Enteritis— Infectious Entero-Hepatitisof iiirkeys, IJkick Head Parasitic Worms which Infest the Dijifestive Apparatus The Xodular Taniasis of Fowls. CHAPTER v.— Diseases of thk Pkkitonkim, Livkk, AM) Sl'I.KKN". ...... 127 Peritonitis, Inflaniniation of the Peritoneum — Chronic Peritonitis. Ascites, Abdominal Drops\ — Diseases of the Liver Cong^estion of the Eiver Intlammation of the Liver, Hepatitis Icterus, Jaundice, Biliary Repletion — Atrophy or Wasting' of the Liver — Fatty Degeneration of the Liver — Fatty Liver — Tuberculosis of the Liver, Spleen, and Peritoneum. CHAPTER VI. -Diseases of the Organs of Ukina- TiON AND Kepkoihction. . ... 136 Brief Description of the Organs of I'/ination — Parenchymatous Nephritis, Inflammation of the Kidneys — Abscess of the Kidneys — Obstruction of the Cloaca bv Urimry Concretions The Male Org-ans of Reproduction — Hypertrophy or En- largement of the Testicles — Cancer of the Testi- cles — Fatty Degeneration The Female Organs of Reproduction — Atrophy of the CH'ary — Tumors of the Ovary (Gangrene of the Ovary — inflammation of the Oviduct- Prolapsus or Eversion of the (Ovi- duct — Difficult Laying, Egg" Bound, Obstruction of the Oviduct — Gangrene of the Oviduct — Rupture of the Oviduct — Cloacitis, Vent Gleet Anomalies in Egg Production — Egg" Incubated in the Ovi- duct — Parasites in Eegs — Sanguineous Eggs — Egg's Without Shells -Egg's with Two Yolks — In- complete or Aborted Egg's — Eggs Within Eggs. CHAPTER VII. -Diseases of the Brain. . . 159 Cerebral Hyperiumia, Congestion of the Brain, Vertigo Hemorrhage of the Brain, Apoplexy — Epilepsy. CHAPTER VIII.— Diseases of the Heart and Bi.ooD Vessels. ..... 162 Pericarditis. Inflammation of the Pericardium, Dropsy of the Heart Sac Endocarditis. Inflamma- tion of the Internal Membrane of the Heart — Hypertrophy of the Heart Rupture of the Heart and Large Blood Vessels. CHAPTER IX. Pakasitrs and Diskasks ok the Skin. . . • • • • • 1^)5 The Epizoa or Parasites Living- Upon the Ex- ternal Surface of the Body Scabies or Mange of the Body Scabies Caused by Epidernioptes— Scabies Caused by Sarcoptes, Depluming Sca- bies- Favus— Chicken Pox, Sore Head, Pig-eon Pox. CHAPTER X.— Diskasks of thk F"eet and Legs . 198 Leg- Weakness Rheumatism and Gout— Super- ficial Sores -Corns Deep Bruises and Abscesses- Scabies of the Legs and Feet, Scaly Legs. CHAPTER XI.— iNFKCTiors Diseases Having a Tendency to Affect More than One Skt of Okgans. . . .... 208 Tuberculosis— Diphtheria, Diphtheritic Roup In- fectious Leukajmia — Fowl Cholera. CHAPTER XII.— Injurious Habits or Vicks. . . 243 Egg- Eating— Feather Eating, Feather Pulling. INDEX . . . . ■ • -247 LIST OF ILLI'STKATIOXS. hic. "^^"^•• Skeleton and soft parts of a fowl (Megnin) HKONTISl'IECE. 1 Lunj^sof a fowl (Mepnini . . • . ^7 2 Head of fowl aflfected with contagious catarrh (Megnin) . . . . . . •'■^ 3 Right lung of a goose (Owen) . . ■ H3 4 Lung of a bird in ideal section (Williams) . 3'* 5 A pair of syngames (Megnin) . . -42 6 Development of Synffainiis trachcalis (Megnin) 43 Diagram illustrating manner of removing syn- games with wire, horse-hair or feather. . 43 7 Reproductive organs of syngames; pair of syn- games illustrating attachment to mucous mem- brane (Megnin). . • • • . 4.-> 8 Chicken affected with gapes (Garman, Ky. Agl. Exp. Station) ..... 47 9 Diagrammatic representation of the air sacs (Heider) . . • • • • ■ ^~ \\) Aspergillus f^laiicus (C^de^diC) ... 59 11 Aspergillus fiunigatns (Ziegler) . . .59 12 Cytodites ttudus, male (Kailliet) ... 62 13 Cytodites nudus, female (Railliet) . . .64 14 Digestive apparatus of a fowl (Chauveau) . 67 15 Microscopic elements of thrush (Robin) . . 73 16 Gastric glands of birds (Owen) . . .80 17 Ca-caof healthy turkey (Smith, Bur. An. Industry) 104 18 Diseased ca>ca, entero-hepatitis (Moore, Bur. An. Ind.) . . . • • -10^ 19 Liver of healthy turkey (Moore. Bur. An. Industry) 106 20 Diseased liver, entero-hepatitis (Moore. Bur. An. Ind.) It)" 21 Protozoa of entero-hepatitis (Smith, Bur. An. Iiid.) 108 22 Section of diseased liver, entero-hepatitis (Smith, Bur. An. Ind.l ...... 109 23 Section of diseased cacum. entero-hepatitis (Smith, Bur. An. Ind.l . . . .110 24 Heicrakis pcrspicillum iHassall, Bur. An. Industry) 112 25 Drepanidotietiia infutidihuUformis (Goeze) . . 117 26 Xotocofyle vcrrucosnm (Looss) . . . lit* 11 Echinorhynchiis polymorphxis {'R.aWW.qVs . . 122 28 Nodular ta?niasis; intestine with nodules and tapeworms (Moore, Bur. An. Industry) . . 124 29 Nodular tasniasis; magnified section of intestine (Moore, Bur. An. Industry) .... 125 30 Urinary and reproductive organs of the hen fRailliet) . ... . . .138 31 Reproductive org-ans of the cock (Railliet) . lo9 32 Testes of the house sparrow (Hunter) . . 141 33 Reproductive organs of the hen (Megnin) . . 143 34 Egg from upper part of oviduct (Thomson) . i4.S 35 Chalaza; from opposite sides of yolk (Thomson) . 145 36 Egg from above middle of oviduct (Thomson) 145 37 Section of fowl's egg ( Thomson) , . , 146 38 Menopon biseriafunt (Piaget) . . . 175 39 Menopon latuvi (Piaget) .... 175 40 Lipenrus colinnba- (Piaget) . , . 176 41 Goniodes dissimilis (Piaget) .... 177 42 Lipeurus caponis (Piaget) . . . 178 43 Mettopon pallidtim (P'ia.get) .... 179 44 Goniocotes hologaster (Piaget) . . . 180 45 Z>^;';«a«j'5:f«5^a//;«dZ', upper surface (Megnin) . 181 46 Derniimyssus gallincc, under surface (Megnin) 182 47 Dermanyssus gallincc, egg and young mite (Megnin) . . . . . .183 48 Epidi-rmoptes biloba/iis, mdi\Q {'i>ieumviun) . 184 49 Epidcrmoptes bilohatiis, female (Neumann) . 185 50 Sairoptes Icrvis, variety .?rt///«(r, male (Railliet) 186 51 Satroptes lt:rz'is,v3.Tie\.y gallina',iem?L\Q{K-d.\\\\et) . 187 52 Satroptes la-vis, variety ga//vur, larva (Railliet) 188 53 Fowl affected with favus (Neumann) . . 189 54 .ic/tflfion Srhdnliinii from favu^ of poultry- (Neumann) . . . • • 1^0 55 Sore head (pij^eon pjx) iiioJuUited pi'j^eon (Sau- felice) . . . . . . -193 56 Sore head (pij^eoii pox) inoculated pi'4-eon (Siii- felice) ...... 1*^3 57 Skeleton of a fowl (Chauveau) . . . 201 58 Sairoptt's wu/nns, male (Neumann) . . 204 59 Sarcopti's viutans, female (Railliet) . . . 205 60 Scabies of the foot (Neumann) . . . 20i.si:a.si:.s of imji-i.trv. U'orthyo; lliein.,>t careful sltuly and attenlion. About «i() million dozens of egs-s were returned in the census of I8y(., with no account of dressed poultry, feathers &c. Nothing relating to such an industry is ])eneatli the talents or dignity of the most learned and able i)er- sons m the land. It is only the thoughless and igno- rant who speak slightingly of the " chicken husine'ss " or who consider it inferior to any other occupation. ' HI-:.\I.TII AM) DISKASH. The success of poultry raising depends upon the ability of those engaged in this industry to keep their birds thriving, vigorous, and free from disease From an economical point of view birds are machines which consume certain kinds of raw material and produce eg-s and meat. They should be kept in such a condition that they can most profitably work this transformation One of the most serious obstacles to profitable poultry keeping is the effect of diseases in arresting the pro- ductive activity of the flock and in decimatin- its numbers. More failures in the poultry business'' are traceable to disease than to any other cau.se. A knowl - edge of the nature, prevention, and curafve treatment of the more common diseases of fowls is, therefore essential to success in this industry; and a treatise on this subject for ready reference must necessarily be one of the most useful articles in the poultrvman's outfit Ihe.se diseases are treated with consKleral.le detail in this volume, but before entering upon the study of the individual di.seases, it will be of great assistance to -et a clear idea of what constitutes disease, how it is caus'ed and upon what principles it may be prevented and cured. We say a bird is in good health when it apj)ears DISKASES OF POULTRY'. 15 lively, has a clear eye, a Ijright red comb, is quick and active in its movements, has a good appetite and when the various organs of the body perform their functions in the manner in which they are observed to act in all birds that are vigorous and thriving. On the other hand, we say a bird is disea.sed when some function or functions of its body are not performed as they are in the great majority of individuals, or when some organ presents an unusual form or appearance. Disease has, therefore, been defined as a life the manifestations of which deviate more or less from the normal. Practi- cally, we say a bird is diseased when we observe that ore or more of its functions are not carried on in a normal manner, or when we find unusual growths, in- juries, or i)arasites affecting any of its organs. THE ORGANS AND APPARATUS AND THEIR FUNCTIONS. In the study of disease, one of the most important things is to acquire the habit of looking at a bird, not as one indivisible object, but as an individual made up of many distinct parts, each of which has its special function to perform. Thus, we find the beak, the tongue, the CESophagus, the crop, the proventriculus, the gizzard, the pancreas, the liver, and the intestines, each separate and distinct in itself, and each liable to be affected by disease. We observe also that these organs taken together make up the digestive apparatus and that they are associated together for the purpose of obtaining, preparing, and assimilati ig nutritive ma- terial for the sustenance of the body as a whole. We are often able to determine that there is something wrong with the working of an a])]iaratus l)efore we are able to locate the troulde in one or more organs. To ascertain the seat of a disease and understand its nature, ](-> DISKASES OF POUI.TKY. \vc must, consc(HK-iUly, know the different ()rij:ans ot the body, we must know wliat work each origan does, and how the orjj^ans are associated for the accomplish- ment of a common pur])ose. Besides the digestive a])i)aratus, we find in the l)ir(rs body the nostrils. Larynx, trachea, lungs and air-sacs which together constitute the rrsp/ra/ory apparatus. The principal functions of this apparatus arc to supply oxygen to the blood and receive in return carl)onic acid gas and watery vapor. Then, there is the circulatory apparatus, composed of the heart, arteries, capillaries, veins, and lymphatics, which carries the nourishment and the ox^-gen to every part of the body and ])rings away the waste and worn out material. There is the urinary apparatus, made u]) of the kidneys and the ureters, which separates and removes from the l)lood the great part of the waste of the body which can not be vaporized and carried away with the air ex])ired from the lungs. There is the genital apparatus which in the male consists of testes, vas deferens, and, with some varieties, a penis, and in the female of ovaries, and oviducts, the pur])ose of this apparatus being the reproduction and perpetuation of the species. There is the locomotive apparatus and framework of the body, made up of the bones, ligaments, muscles, and tendon.s. There is the brain and nervous system which estab- lishes connnunication lietween and governs the different organs and apparatus. And, finally, there is the tegumentary system, which includes the skin and feathers and the function of which is to cover and ])ro- tect the body, and excrete a certain amount of liquid bearing with it some soluble waste products from, the blood. disi-;ask.s oi* poi'i/rKv. 17 COMMON CAUSKS OF DISEASE. In order to act intellij^^ently for the prevention and cure of a disease, we must know somethin,!^ of its cause ; and in order to determine the cause, we must know the a.u^encies which are liable to injuriously affect the dis- eased organ. If it is found that the dii^estive organs are affected, we are naturally led to inquire into the character and quantity of food that has been taken ; the amount of exercise which the birds hav^e had ; whether they have had access to gravel or grit ; whether the alimentary canal is obstructed at any point ; whether the affected birds have been unduly exposed to cold or to draughts of air ; and, finally, whether they have been attacked by any of the parasites, vegetable or animal, which are known to cause disturbance of the digestive functions. If the respiratory organs are diseased, it is proper to inquire if the birds have been chilled or ex- ])osed to draughts of air, or to a damp atmosphere; or whether they are the prey of parasitic organisms such as multiply in this portion of the bird's body. If the skin, comb, wattles, or feet are affected, the most likely causes are freezing, mechanical injuries, and parasites. If lameness is exhibited it is probably due to injuries or rheumatism. If the general health is affected as shown by mal -nutrition, paleness, and loss of weight, the most common causes are indigestion from impro])er food, and the attacks of internal or external parasites. Diseases of the brain result from exposure to too great heat, and sunstroke, from over exertion, and from too high feeding with insufficient exercise. Diseases of the ovaries and oviducts result from the bird being too fat; from these organs being over-stimulated, or from the ration being improperly adjusted to the needs of the body. 18 I)I.si-:asi:s oi- I'on.TKv. These are by far the most common causes of disease with the domesticated birds. There are other causes, such as rupture of a blood vessel from weakness of its walls ; the dejfeneration of the tissues of important organs through some obscure influence; the inexplic- able failure of some part of the bod}' to perform its functions and the development of abnormal growths. These are more commonly observed, however, in old birds, and. as financial considerations lead to the fre- quent renewal of the poultrj-man's stock, such forms of disease rarely occur and are confined to a very few birds. HYGIENIC REQUIREMENTS. The conditions required for the maintenance of health and vigor in a flock of birds, are similar to what are required for other animals. These conditions, how- ever, are more important with birds than witli ciuadru- peda because the activities of the former are more intense. That is to say the bird digests more food in proportion to its weight, it breathes more rapidly, its blood circulates faster, its temperature is higher, and it makes a proportionate increase in weight in a shorter time. The bird maj-, therefore, be comjiared to a very perfect and delicate machine running under a high pressure. If properlj' managed, such a machine gives the ver}' best results; l)ut if neglected and run under improper conditions, it soon fails to l)e satisfactor}- and may entirely collapse. One of the first problems which the ])Oultr3-man is called upon to solve is the location of the poultr}' plant. There are some general principles which are of ereat assistance in considering this question. The building or buildings should be upon an elevated spot where the drainage is good, and an}- danger of water settling X DISEASES OF POULTRV. 19 under the l)uilding durins^ heavj' rains should be guard- ed against by fdling in with a foot or more of earth before the construction is commenced. It is a great advantage to have soil which contains enough sand to prevent the quick formation of mud and which soon dries. Dampness in the houses and mud in the yards are not favorable conditions for poultry raising. The next condition of importance is a proper amount of space in the houses and yards. This depends some- what upon the size of the birds and whether a shed is attached to the house. Houses without sheds should have from six to fifteen square feet to each adult bird, while those with sheds may be reduced to about one- half this space. The yards should be large enough to allow exerci.se in the open air, and large enough to supply more grass than the birds will eat. This will vary from 60 to 150 square feet per adult bird. The open shed facing the south, where the fowls can be in- duced to hunt for their food and take exercise in all seasons of the year, and where they can enjoy the pleasure of scratching and dusting themselves in the sunshine, even during the Winter months, is of great assistance in maintaining the health and productive- ness of the flock. The ventilation of the poultry -house should be pro- vided for in such a way that draughts of air will not strike the birds. The amount of ventilation required will depend largely upon the height of the house, the atmospheric temperature and the velocity of the wind. In northern latitudes, with buildings of moderate height, the problem in winter is rather to keep the cold out than to let the air in. When the weather is not too cold, however, the admission of plenty of fresh air is important and particularly so if the walls and roofs of |20 DISEASES OF POUI.TKV. the houses are made air-ti^^ht with one or more layers of buildin.sc paj^er. There are various methods by which such liouses may 1)e ventilated without endangering the birds with currents of air, but as the details of these methods depend largely upon the plan of building adopted, they will not be discussed in this volume. Cleanliness is an essential sanitary condition for all animals, but particularly so for birds. Accumulations of excrement harbor parasites, vitiate the atmosphere and breed contagion. The poultry -house should, therefore, be constructed with a view to its freciuent, easy, and thorough cleaning. The roosts and nest boxes should be removable, so that all parasites which collect upon them may be reached and destroyed. The floor should be smooth to permit .scraping and sweep- ing. Cracks and knot holes should be avoided as they furnish a hiding place for parasites. Low boxes con- taining dry earth or road dust should be provided in which the birds can take a dust bath with regularity. DISINFECTION. Disinfection is the destruction or removal of in- fection. Infection of poultry -houses and runs occurs from the introduction of animal and vegetable para- sites, including the various microbes and unknown forms of contagion. There are no precautions which will entirely prevent such infection. The fowls with which the flock is started will probably be already in- fected with many varieties of parasites. Wild birds and various animals or possibly the attandant may bring contagion and even the larger animal parasites. Some of these parasites multiply in the birds' bodies, others breed in the houses, still others pass a portion of their life cycle in or upon the soil of the runs. disp:ases of poultry. 21 The longer fowls are kept upon the same premises, the more these parasites will increase, and the j3:reater damage and menace the}' will be to the flock. S3-stem - atic and efficient measures must, therefore, be instituted and regularly emploj-ed in order to keep such pests in check, and, if possible, entirelj' eradicate them. Some species of parasites are quite easily controlled, but others will tax the ingenuity and skill of the poul- trj-man to the utmost. The methods of disinfection applicable to the poul - trj' plant are numerous, and it is important to under- stand those which are most available and which can be used with least danger to persons and fowls. For the inside of the houses, including the roosts and nest boxes, hot lime wash is one of the best applications and should be used at least twice a 3'ear. If thoroughlj' applied, it will destroy both animal parasites and mi- crobes. The disinfecting power of lime wash maj^ be increased b}' the addition of one -fourth pound carbolic acid to each gallon. When a gaseous disinfectant is needed to reach the ceilings of houses and the hang- ings of brooders, formalin (formaldehyde) will be found by far the most efficient. It may be spra3'ed over the inside of the house or brooder in a three to five -per -cent solution, a^id if the doors and win- dows are then tightly closed, so that the vapors will be confined, everj' part of the interior of the struct- ure will be disinfected. Formalin may now l)e purchased in a forty -per -cent solution and maj- be diluted with water to the desired strength. One pound of the solution added to a gallon of water makes a mixture of about the projier strength. For the destruction of the external animal parasites many apply kerosene oil and crude petroleum to the 22 DISKASES OK POULTRY. roosts, but these sulistances are not to be compared in eflBciency with hot lime wash. The fowls themselves may be dusted with insect powder or dipped in a creo- lin solution (2 per cent), and insect powder may be added to the dust baths and strewed in the nests when the vermin become troublesome. Other remedies suit- able to special conditions will be given in subsequent chapters. The runs should be occasionally plowed, in order to bury the accumulated excrement and parasites, and at the same time bring fresh soil to the surface. If this does not prove sufficient for the purpose, the soil should be covered with a good coating of lime or thoroughly saturated with a five -per -cent solution of carbolic acid some days before it is plowed, and no fowls allowed upon such runs for six months or a j^ear. If in spite of these precautions, intestinal worms be- come more and more injurious, or if one or more of the various diseases caused by fungi, bacteria, or pro- tozoa continue to affect the birds, the only resource is to move the flock to fresh ground. In starting a new flock, or in removing to a new locality to escape para- sites, it is a good plan to leave the old birds behind, and only take young ones which have been hatched in incubators and which have never been outside of clean brooders. The adult birds would certainly carry many ])arasites with them, while these young birds should be iminfected. OBJKCTS or MEDICAL TREATMENT. In the treatment of sick birds, medicines should not be administered blindly, but on the contrary there should be a clear idea, before the remedy is selected, of what is to be accomplished. Otherwise, it is probable that DISEASES OF POrLTRY. 23 more harm than good will result. In giving medicines intelligently there are three distinct objects which one may attempt to accomplish : 1. To neutralize, remove or destroy the cause of the disease. 2. To cause the repair of the affected tissues. 3. To counteract or remove the symptoms. 1 . As to the first object mentioned, it is clear that we can only direct our remedies towards the cause, when that cause continues to act. In catarrh, pneumonia, inflammation of the intestines, and other diseases which result from exposure to cold, for example, the cause may have been a cold draught of air on a windy night. When the bird is discovered to be sick, a day or two later, the cause is no longer acting. On the other hand, in ]:)arasitic diseases, the cause continues to act, as a rule, until it is destroyed by remedies or by the vital processes of the l)od3^ These examples are simpl}' ill - ustrations of the general fact that there are only a part of the diseases that affect birds, in which an attempt can be made to reach the cause. There are sjiecial methods of treatment ap])licable to the epizoa or external animal ]:)arasites, and ciuite diff- erent methods for the entozoa or internal animal par- asites. Likewise the treatment for epiphytes, or ex- ternal vegetable parasites, may differ widely from that a])plied to entophytes or internal vegetable parasites. In all these cases, however, we endeavor to remove or destroy the cause of the disease. Poisoning may be treated u]){)n the some princii)le; that is, an attempt may be made to neutralize, destroy or remove the poison. Whenever possible, the remedies should be directed to the cause of the disease, since while this con- tinues to act a cure is impossible. 24 DISKASKS OV POn.TKV. 2. To secure the repair of the affected tissues is also a very important object of medication. Wounds may require stimulating or astringent treatment; inflamma- tions may he reduced l)y cooling applications or l)y seda - tives; an anaemic condition is counteracted by tonics; the congestion of an internal organ may be relieved by inducing increased circulation at the surface of the body either by heat or counter -irritation. These are ex- amples of treatment applied to relieve the abnormal condition and secure the repair of the diseased part. When the cause of the disease has ceased to act, this line of treatment should be adopted, if possible. 3. There are, unfortunately, many cases in which it is neither possible to adopt treatment for the removal of the cause or the repair of the affected part. In such cases we are limited to symptoviatic medication. The effort then is to mitigate the alarming and dangerous symptoms. There are many conditions in which such a course is of great advantage. Thus, when the forces of the body are weakened or exhausted this state may be temporarily relieved with stimulants; when the temperature is dangerously high, it may be reduced by appropriate remedies ; when pain is severe it may be arrested by drugs which act upon the nerves ; when there is constipation, laxatives or purgatives may be indicated, and when there is purging it may be stopped with medicines having the opposite effect; for spas- modic contractions of the muscles, there is a class of medicines called antispasmodics ; and there are drugs which increa.se the various secretions. It is plain, therefore, that while removing the cause of disease, and working for the repair of the affected parts are scientific and essential plans of treatment, the symptomatic DISEASKS OF POULTRY. 25 method, also, has its apj^Iicatious which will be found both'munerous and inii)ortant. The intelli.^^ent treatment of disease will be conducted with one or more of these three ol)jects in view. W'e ma}' at the same time ai)pl3' remedies to destroy a para- site, and to allay the irritation or heal the injuries which it has caused. It is, also, ])ossible in certain cases to sinuiltaneously attack the cause of disease, to treat the local injury and to beneficially modify the urgent s^-ni])- toms. The skill of the ])ractitioner is shown by the re- sources with which he is able to meet and overcome the varied conditions of disease wdiich confront him at dif- ferent times and with different individuals. To be suc- cessful he must Ije able to accurately determine the nature of the disease and the condition of the ])atient. CHAPTER II, Diseases of the Organs of Respiration. STRICTURE AND FUNCTION — SIMPLE CATARRH — ROUP, CONTA- GIOUS CATARRH — BRONCHITIS — THE GAPES, VERMINOUS TRACHEO-BRONCHITIS, SYNGAMOSIS — CONGESTION OK THE LUNGS, PULMONARY CONGESTION — PNEUMONIA^ MYCOSIS OK THE AIR-PASSAGES, ASPERGILLOSIS — THE AIR SAC MITE. STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION. /^^^Hli respiratory organs of birds differ consider - / \ abh' from those with which we are familiar in ^^i^ the Other species of domesticated animals. The plan of structure of these org^ans follows more closely the analogous organs of reptiles than it does those of mammals. This should not excite sur- prise as it is now admitted that iMrds are descended from some animal of the reptilian group. The lungs are confined, as they are in the tortoise, to the back part of the body cavity, and are firmly attached to the ribs and the spaces between these bones. Large membranous sacs, communicating with the lungs and serving as reservoirs of air, extend to the posterior portion of the abdomen and even into the bones. The lungs are not suspended freel}' and divided into lobes as we see them in other farm animals, but thej' are attached to the back part of the chest and are accu- DISEASES OF POULTRY. 27 ratel}' molcbJ to the ine<[ualities of the ribs and the spaces between the ribs. Notwithstanding these resemblances to the sluggish cold-blooded animals, the bird's breathing ap])aratus is of the highest order of excellence, and wonderfull}' effective. The lungs are comparatively small and have little elasticity, but there is a compensation for these features in the free communication with the si)acious air sacs which contain an abundant su]i]:)ly of air. The up]-)er opening of the tr.;chea or windpi])e is on the floor of the mouth just behind the tongue. The larynx at the beginning of the windpi])e, which is such a perfect structure in the higher mammals, is in birds only slightly developed. The edges of the larynx ap - pear to close together so l)erfectly that no epiglottis or lid is neccssar}-. There are no vocal cords in the larynx as in mammals, and therefore this organ can not produce voice, and it only raises or lowers a note by bringing together or separat- ing the stiff margins of the opening. The true organ of voice in l)irds is the lowerlarynx or syrinx, which is Fiy. l.-LuiifTs of a Bird. A. — Lowor Surface. B.— Upper Surface. 2S DI.Sl-.ASKS Ol- rori.TKV. found in no oilier class of animals and is situated where the trachea divides to form bronchi. The two primary bronchi, formed by the division of the trachea, penetrate the lungs, branching as they go and end in the air sacs which have already been men- tioned. The primary branches of the bronchial tubes give off secondary branches, and the secondarj' branches in turn send off tertiary branches. These finer branches open ui^on a dense network of minute, almost naked, blood vessels, through the delicate walls of which the ox3'gen passes to the blood and the carbonic acid and other vapors escape. There are in all nine air sacs, four on each side, and one (the interclavicular) which has been formed by the union of another pair. These are named the cervical, the interclavicular, the anterior thoracic, the posterior thoracic, and the abdominal sacs. With many birds the air sacs extend into the humerus or large bone of the wing, with some, into the breastbone, the thigh ])one, and even other bones of the body. The air sacs act principall}' as reservoirs of air, feeding the lungs between the periods of inspiration and ensuring an abiindant air supply at all times. There is possibl}- some oxygenation of the blood through their walls, and the}' serve in addition to reduce the weight of the body. Nearly all the moisture which escapes from the bird's body passes off through the respiratory organs. With mammals, a large proportion of the liquid taken into the bod}' is evaporated from the surface of the skin, and this process serves as an efficient regulation of the l)ody tem])erature. A considerable amount of liquid is aLso excreted b}- the kidneys of such animals. In ])irds the secretion of the kidneys contains but a small quan- DISKASKS OF POUI/rKY. 29 tity of water, and the skin has no sweat .glands, so that but an insignificant amount of moisture is evaporated from the external surface of the body. The lungs and air sacs of birds mist, therefore, perform not only the duties which devolve upon the respiratory organs of mammals, but also largely those of the kidneys and skin as well. On the whole, the bird's respiratory apparatus is very perfect and more active than that of anj^ mam- mal. The quantity' of carbonic acid exhaled is very large, the breathing is rapid, and the oxidation of the blood is necessarily thorough to maintain the high temperature of the bird's body. With all of this, birds are capable of great and ])rolonged muscular exertion ; the " wind " of the Homing Pigeon, for instance, being something remarkable. The intimate connection which exists between the bronchi and air sacs readily permits of the extension of a di.sease process from one to the other, and parasites or i^arasitic diseases may be common to both. Injured birds may even breathe through a broken humerus which has pierced the skin, when their windpipes are obstructed with blood and impermeable to air. In this case the air is drawn into the lungs through the inter- clavicular air sac instead of penetrating by way of the trachea and bronchi. The respiratory apparatus of birds differs, therefore, to a remarkable extent from that of other animals, in structure, in function, and in the development and extension of the diseases to wdiich it is subject. SIMPLE C.VTAKRH. One of the most common diseases of birds is catarrh. It is sometimes mild, attacks but a few birds in a flock and is easily overcome. At other times it is more 30 riSKASES OK I'on.TKV. severe, affects all or iK-arly all the birds in a flock and only yields to enerj^etic and ])rolonged treatment. In case of long -continued cold and damp weather, birds in different flocks may be affected at the same time, leading to the suspicion of an infectious disease, although it is really due to climatic conditions acting over a large territory at the same time. It is important to make a careful examination as soon as the disease appears and to determine whether it is simple catarrh or infectious catarrh, as the treatment to be adopted in the two cases differs materially. Symptoms. — In simple, non-contagious catarrh, the affected birds are more or less dull, they are disinclined to move, their appetites are diminished, they sneeze and the mucous membrane is thickened, causing some ob- struction to breathing through the nostrils. There soon appears a thin, watery discharge which later becomes thicker and glutinous, the eyes are often watery, the eyelids swollen and sometimes held together by a thick, viscid secretion. In very severe cases, the birds are somnolent, the plumage is erect and roughened, the nostrils are completely obstructed by the thick sec- retion, the breathing is entirely through the mouth and is accompanied by a wheezing or snoring sound, the appetite is entirely lost, a thin liquid escapes from the mouth and the bird soon becomes exhausted a::d dies. In the milder cases simple catarrh may disappear without treatment, in the course of two or three days; or, in case the cause is allowed to persist, the birds may become worse and die, or the disease may be- come chronic and continue its effects for a long time. Causation. — Simple catarrh is the result of undue exposure to cold and dampness or to draughts of air. It is most commonly seen where the houses are damp and DISEASES or POULTRY. 31 filthy, with cracks and openini^s, through which the wind blows upon the fowls, or with birds that have been exposed to unusual cold and draughts in the show -room or during shi])nient from one place to another. The birds most apt to be affected are those having their strength already im])aired by insufficient or innutritious food, by lack of exercise or l)y the attacks of parasites. Treatment. — Catarrh is best prevented by keeping the birds in a .strong, vigorous condition through proper exercise, good food, clean houses and ventilation with- out draughts. In case Simiptoms of this disease are obser\'ed, search out and remove the cause, and give the birds stimulating food with some cayenne pepper mixed into it. If the di.sease appears serious, wash out the mouth and nostrils twice a day with boric acid solution of the strength of fifteen grains to the ounce of water, or creoline solution (one percent) . The following remedy is highly recommended by Megnin : Gentian root .... 4 drams. Ginger 4 Sulphate of iron ... 2 Hyposulphite of sodium .1 Salicylate of sodium . . 1 These substances are to be pulverized and then thoroughly mixed. The dose is three or four grains a day for a medium -sized fowl. Its effects are stimulat- ing and tonic. ROUP, CONTAGIOUS CATARRH. Although much has been written upon the subject of roup, the scientific studies of the disease have been in- complete and there is still much difference of opinion as to its nature. It is particularly difficult, from pres- 32 DISKASKS OF POri.TKY. ent knowledj^c, to say positively whether contagious catarrh and dijihtheria are essentially one and the same disease or whether they constitute two distinct and un- related ])laij:ues. Considering only the S3Mn])toms, it is ])ossible to draw a sharp and definite line, as most veterinary writers have done, placing on the one side all those outbreaks which have only catarrhal manifes- tations, and on the other those which clearly show diph - theritic patches with false membranes. Dr. Moore's investigations seem to indicate that both diseases are caused by the same germ, the only difference being in the grade of virulence. If this inference should prove correct, it would justify the common usage of applying the term roup to both forms of disease. At present, however, it appears preferable and in accordance with the preponderance of evidence to descril:)e them as two diseases rather than as two forms of the same disease. Symptoms. — The early symptoms of this disease can not be clearly distinguished from those of simple catarrh, though the dulness and prostration are usually greater and there is often a peculiar offensive odor, which are valuable points to aid in reaching a decision. There is at first a thin, waterj- discharge from the nostiils with some obstruction to breathing from swelling of the mucous membrane. The dis- charge soon becomes thicker and more sticky or glutinous, causing the affected birds to sneeze and shake their heads in an effort to free the air passages. The subjects are dull, quiet, without much appetite and more or less feverish. The plumage is rough, the wings pendant, the comb and wattles dark red. As the disease advances, the inflammation extends, from the nuicous membrane of the nostrils along the internal surface of the passage connecting the nostrils DISKASKS OF POn.TKV. 33 vrilli llic orhital s])ace or ca\'ily .siirr()iin(liii<^ the eyes. The orbital si)ace in birds is relatively very large and has an angular projection towards the point of the beak. There is, consequentl3% considerable space between the eye -ball and the bon}- walls surronnding it, which is known as the orbital space or or'oital sinus. This space is lined with a mucous nieni!)rane which is con- tinuous with that of the nostrils and in such close rela- tions with it that an inflammatory process readily ex- tends from one to the other. Very often in roup, this membrane is inflamed throughout these passages, and the process is so acute that the surface becomes eroded and ulcerated. The secretion, instead of remaining fluid as in simple ca- tarrh, changes at this period, is abundant, thick, yellowish pu- rulent, and cheesy. This secret io n ac- cumulates and ob- structs the passages. It forms around the eye and forces the eye -ball out of the socket and at the same time collects under the eyelids or on the corner, some- times sinuilating a false membrane. It, also, i)lugs the nasal passages, presses down the palate, obstructs the breathing and may prevent swallowing. The affected l)irds in the advanced stages of the disease present a most miserable appearence. The Fig. 2.— Head of bird affected with cimtag-ious catarrh. 34 DiSHASi-s oi- ron.TRv. beak is kept open in order to breathe, the sight is de- stroyed l>y inflammatory products, the eyes are often closed and liulging from the head, the lireathing is very difficult, a thick, sticky discharge escapes from the nostrils, the subjects are emaciated, prostrated, sleepy and ])erhaps unconscious. When these severe symp- toms ai)])ear, the strength is soon exhausted and death follows. Contagious catarrh s])reads ra])idly through a flock, affecting the greater ])art of the birds and causing the death of a variable i)roportion according to the viru- lence of the contagion. It is always a very serious disease and is diflflcult to eradicate. Causation. — That roup is a contagious disease admits of no question. Its origin in a flock can fre- quently l)e traced to the introduction of a bird from some other premises where the disease exists. Often, it is contracted by exposure to affected birds at shows, or to the contagion clinging to coops, houses or infected runs. Many writers teach that roup may originate from exposure to cold or draughts of air. This prevalent opinion is probably' accounted for by the fact that the first stages of roup are almost identical in their symptoms with simple catarrh or a common -cold. It is not likely, however, that such exposure is sufficient to produce roup. Contagious diseases are caused by parasites, each s])ecific disease having its particular species of animal or vegetable life to call it into existence, and without its ])articular ])arasite the disease cannot be devclo])ed. It is, therefore, logical to conclude that if the germ or parasite of roup is not already infecting a given poultry 3'ard, the disease will not appear until this ])arasite is introduced. Colds and catarrh ma}' become aggravated and even fatal by neg- DISEASES OF POULTRY. 35 lect and continued exposure to the existing causes, but the}' will not develop into roup unless the contagion of the last named disease is present. The exact species of organism which causes roup can not be certainly determined from the investigations so far made. A bacterial organism resembling the bacillus of fowl cholera and that of rabbit septicaemia has been isolated from some outbreaks. Whether this organism or some other form of microscopic life con- stitutes the contagion makes little difference to the practical poultrj-man. The recognition of the exist- ence of contagion in some form is the most important thing. Roup is a contagious disease which is localized upon the mucous membranes of birds. That is, the micro- scopic parasite which causes the disease, develops and multiplies upon and within the mucous membranes of affected birds; escapes from their bodies with the dis- charge from the nostrils and eyes ; soils their feathers, and, also, the litter and other objects about them; when dried it is dissipated throughout the surrounding air in the form of dust by every movement of the bird, or of the soiled objects, and by every breeze that dis- turbs the contaminated surfaces. This dust, contain- ing the germs of the disease, as it floats in the air is drawn into the nostrils with the breath or lodges within the eye. When the germs reach the moist and warm surfaces of the membranes lining the nostrils or eyes, they find favorable conditions for their continued mul- tiplication. They penetrate the membrane, set up irri- tation and inflammation, and as a result of this action there follow catarrh, ulceration and the formation of purulent and cheesy deposits about the head. Tkic.\tment. — The measures to be adopted for the .Vi DISEASES OF POULTRY. prevention c I roup are tne same as tor other contagious diseases. Exclude the contagion by every means that can be devised. Do not allow poultry, animals or men to come directly from an infected premises to a healthy flock. Be careful in buying new birds, and these as well as all birds that have been to shows should be isolated for two or three weeks until their healthfulness is demonstrated. If the di.seas2 once appears in the flock use disinfectants freely and isolate diseased indi- viduals. If the birds are not very valuable it is some- times better to dispose of every one, and after disin- fection begin with new blood. The contagion is per- sistent and can only be eradicated by the most thorough measures. The medical treatment may be undertaken with good chances of success, but requires time and constant attention. Whether it will pay, depends upon the value of the birds and of the services of the party who cares for them. Antiseptic and healing applications are indicated to the interior of the nostrils, the cleft of the palate, the eye, and other affected parts. If swell- ings containing thick pus or cheesy matter form upon the head, they should be opened with a sharp instru- ment, the contents removed and the wound treated ■with antiseptics. Antiseptic powders are convenient for treating the wounds caused in such operations. Among these iodoform and aristol are the best. The wound may be kept filled with either of these powders until it is healed. The antiseptic solutions may be injected into the nostrils or into the cleft in the roof of the mouth which communicates with the nostrils, by using a small syringe, a medicine dropper, oreven an oil can, such as is used for oiling machinery. A sj'ringe is, of course, the best. The solutions most suited are boric DISEASES OF POULTRY. 37 acid fifteen grains to the ounce of water ; carbolic acid or creoline in two percent solution; peroxide of hj'dro- gen diluted with an equal quantity of water; perman- ganate of potash one grain to the ounce ; or sulphate of copjier five grains to the ounce. Some persons have reported great success from the use of coal oil (kero- sene) either pure or diluted with equal parts of olive oil. Megnin has had excellent results with a five per cent solution of sulphate of copper injected into the nostrils, the cleft of the palate, the affected ej'es and the wounds made in removing purulent collections from the sinus in front of the e\'es. This solution appears rather strong and should be used at first with care and in an experimental way until its effects are seen. When the head shows signs of considerable inflam- mation it may be anointed with sweet (olive) oil, vase- line, or equal parts of sweet oil and coal oil. In selecting from the remedies mentioned, it is well to begin with the milder ones, such as boric acid, per- oxide of hydrogen or carbolic acid. Keep the birds comfortable and free from draugths of air. Give stimu - lating and easih- digested food containing a small pro- portion of meat scrap. One writer, Mr. Mapes, believes that he has controlled the disease effectually with a properly balanced ration. It is important to dispose of the carcasses of dead birds promptly' by burning or deep burial. BRONCHITIS. Caus.\tion. — Inflammation of the mucous mem- brane of the trachea and bronchial tubes, or bronchitis, is sometimes due to the extension of the catarrhal pro- cess from the head, or it maj- be induced by the action of the causes which produce catarrh. The most fre- quent of these causes are exposure to dampness, to 38 DISEASES or rOUI.TKY cold, to draughts of cold air, and to sudden and extreme changes of tcinperature. This disease may, also, re- sult from the iuhalalion of irritating vapors, dust, and other foreign substances. A careful discrimination should be made between bronchitis arising from such causes and that due to contagious catarrh ( roup ) , tuber - culosis, gape worms, and the aspergillus fungus. Symptoms. — The birds are some- what dull, with loss of appetite, ac- celerated breathing and cough. On listening to the respiration a blow- ing or whistling sound may be heard in the air tubes, in the early stages of the disease, caused by the air being drawn over the dry and thick - ened membrane; later, a rattling oi bubbling sound is heard caused by air passing through accumulations of mucus. In the majority of cases the sjmiptoms are not serious, and, under favorable conditions, they soon disappear. Occasionally, the . . . . , Fitr. 3. — RifTlit lunsi malady mcreases in intensity, the of a troose; «, prinLiry , , . bronchus; (''/'. openintrs I)lumage becomes rough, the wings throutrh which commu- . , , , . nication is established droop, the breathing is labored and wiui the air sacs; re, ,.„ , , , ■ ■, r .1 secoiidarv bronchi. difficult, the bird frequently opens its beak in order to obtain sufficient air, it is sleepy, torpid and exhausted. In such severe forms of the disease a large proportion of the affected birds die. Treatment. — The first indication in simple bron- chitis is to place the affected birds in a comfortable, drj^ and reasonably warm place, where they will not be subjected to draughts of air, but where the ventilation is good. Give soft and cooling food, such as stale bread, DISKASKS OK POrLTRY. 39 or a mixture of bran and middlings moistened with milk. Inhalation of steam, or vapor from boiling water in which hops or a small quantity of carbolic acid or crcoline has been placed, is beneficial. Give with the food two grains of black antimony twice a day. A small quantity of flax seed steeped in hot water makes a demul- cent drink that often gives great relief ; and, in the absence of this, honey or gum arabic ma 3' be added to the drinking water wich advantage. If the attack pro - mises to be severe, it may S o m e t i m e s be checked in the early stages by giving ten drops of s ]D i r i t s of FifT. 4. -LmifTof a bird represented in ideal Ion- ^.,,^„p,,^:„„ ;,, ^ pitudinal section; <;es. the eggs and embryos are set free by the disintegra- tion of the worm. The eggs require warmth and moisture to hatch, and similar conditions are needed for the life of the embryos. These newly -hatched em- bryos may be at once taken up by birds, with contami- nated food or drink, and thus cause infection ; or they may be taken into the digestive canal of earth worms, as has been shown by Walker, and be carried for some time by such earth worms. It has been shown conclu - sively that earth worms from infected poultry runs will cause gapes if fed to chickens. Whether or not the earth worm plays an important part in sheltering and protecting the embryos of the syngamus and in thus maintaining the infection upon certain premises is not definitely known. Walker considers the earth worm a very important 48 DISKASHS OF POULTKY. factor in keeping up infection, and has proposed the destruction of these worms bj' saturating the soil with a solution of common salt. Whether this will kill or drive away the earth worms which are in tlie soil has not been satisfactorily demonstrated. Symptoms. — The disease is observed most frequently in young birds from one to four weeks old. The affected individuals are seen to be less lively than usual ; they extend the head frequently and widely open the beak — that is, they gape. If watched, they are seen to gape ever^^ minute or two, and as the dis- ease progresses, this gaping is repeated several times a minute. The birds soon begin to cough, making a sudden, whistling sound something like a sneeze, whitish mucus may be rejected from the nostrils or mouth, or worms (syngames) may be coughed up. If badly affected the })irds become anaemic and weak ; the feathers are roughened ; the wings droop ; the neck is shortened or drawn up, except when extended for gaping; the l)ird shakes its head, often convulsiveh', as if trj-ing to get rid of a foreign body in its throat. The affected birds are no longer alile to keeji up with the fiock to which they belong, they lag behind, stop as if exhausted, stand with closed eyes and allow them- selves to be easily caught. At this period the\' are liable to attacks of suh'ocation, from which the}- may die suddenl}'. Others apparently die from weakness and exhaustion. The stronger birds, particularly if only infested with a few worms, and the older and larger birds, are not so severely affected. The}' gape occasionally, but their general health is not impaired. Their strength is re- DISKASKS OF POULTKY. 49 tained, they search for and take the usual quantit)' of food and they soon res^ain llieir former activity'. The nature of the disease ma}- l)e readil_v determined from the s^-mptoms above e:iumerated. If, however, there is aiu' doubt, the trachea of a l)ird which has died from the disease shouhl lie slit o])en and examined for the syn.^;anuis. In case no birds have died, one of the methods for extractini^ the worms from the trachea of the livint; ])ird should be tried ( see treatment) . It is im])ortant to the poultryman that the nature of the disease should be detected as soon as ])ossible after it appears ujion his ])remises in order that ])rccautions may be taken to sto]) the sj^iread of the infection and to eradicate it from the ])lace. Tkkat:\ikxt. — Separate the sick birds from the well ones as soon as the disease is detected and clean u]) the coops, pens and houses where they have been. Disinfect all these ])laces and also the drinkint^troughs or cups with a five per cent solution of crude carbolic acid or witli boiling water. Burn the bodies of the birds which die. Keej) the infected birds in a house which can l)e easih' cleaned and disinfected, and see that this house is kept disinfected with hot water or five per cent carbolic acid solution. Megninrt-com- raends for disinfecting enclosures and contaminatt-d runs, sprinkling with a solution of one part of salicylic or sul])b.uric acid in one hundred of water. Provide pure water and uninfected food. By careful mani])ulation the worms may often lie re- moved from the trachea and the chicken radically cured in that way. To accomplish this either a feather or a long hair from the horse's tail may be used. If a feather is selected it is stri])i)ed of the web excejit n.-ar the ti]). This may be used dry or it nuiy be moistened with coal 50 1)I.si-;asi:s oi" i'oii.tkv. oil or oil of turpentine. If a horse -hair is to 1)e used it is folded and the two ends twisted to.ii:ether so as to leave a small loop at the folded extremity. To extract the worms the chicken's mouth is forced open with the fingers of the left hand ( Fii?. 6 L) and. when the j^lottis opens for breathinj^, the feather or hair is thrust into the opening and downward into the trachea. It is then turned or twisted around several times and withdrawn, when one or more worms may be found adhering to it, or in other cases are coughed up, having been loosened by the feather or hair. These worms should all be burned as they are capable of spreading the infection. Great care should be used in these manipulations as the larynx and trachea are very tender and sensitive and are liable to serious injury from a broken or rough feather ; or the bird may be suffocated by obstructing the breathing for too long a time. Internal treatment is highly recommended by some authorities. Megnin had excellent results in treating affected pheasants with garlic. He made a mixture consisting of hard-boiled eggs, boiled beef's heart, the crumbs of stale bread and salad. These ingredients were chopped, pounded and thoroughly mixed so as to make a paste. To this paste was added pounded garlic in the proportion of one bulb to ten pheasants each day, the garlic being thoroughly distributed through the l^aste. This mixture was greatly relished by the birds. Others wdio tried this remedy found that the birds re- fused to eat it, but that they would eat garlic in the form of a salad. Megnin also recommends assafoetida, seven and one -half grains daily to a pheasant, used as a powder combined with an eciual quantity of yellow pulverized gentian and mixed with the paste that was DISKASES OF POULTRY. 51 fed to the birds. He asserts that this treatment suc- ceeded comi)letel3' within a few days. Some have olitained satisfactory results by adminis- tering camphor in the form of pills, the dose being one- half to one grain twice a day. Others have succeeded with sulphur, giving one to three grains at a dose. Those engaged in raising birds should depend rather on prevention than cure. The value of a three-weeks- old chicken is not sufficient to justify a great expendi- ture of time in its treatment. The effort should be made to place the young birds on uninfected ground, or the runs should be kept thoroughly disinfected. On the first appearance of the disease remove and isolate the affected birds and take the necessary precautions to secure the destruction of all the parasites they contain. By such measures the propagation of the worm will be prevented and the extension of the disease will be avoided. SVNGAMUS BRONCHIALIS. A worm closely related to the Syngaitnis tracheal is has been described in Europe as affecting young ducks and goslings. It is found in the finer bronchial tubes preventing the ingress of air and causing death from asphj^xia. It sets up much irritation and even causes croupal pneumonia. The symptoms are similar to those caused by the Synganuis trachcalis, but more violent, and sudden deaths due to obstruction of the air tubes are common. This worm has been named the Synga))iHS bronchialis, and is combated by the pre- ventive measures and internal remedies recommended for the Syngamus trachcalis. CONGESTION OF THE LUNGS, PULMONARY . CONGESTION. Congestion of the lungs, or engorgement of the pul - 52 DISEASKS or POULTRY. monary l)lood -vessels is a disease which quite fre- (liiently affects birds that are molting, and also young chickens, ducks, goslings, pheasants, and cage birds. The distention of the blood-vessels which are very abundant in the lungs, causes pressure upon the finer bronchi and air cells and may lead to death from as phyxia. Or there may be rupture of the vessels and the escape of blood, which blocks up the bronchi and alveoli and collects in the air sacs. In either case death soon results. Causation. — This disease is generally caused by exposure to cold and the chilling of the surface of the bodjs which leads to contraction of the external blood- vessels and forces an undue amount of blood into the internal organs. It is seen in fowls that are molting and which are exposed to cold draughts or rain while the skin is over -sensitive and partially denuded. It also occurs in 3'oung birds which, for anj' reason, are not kept sufficiently warm. It is common among young chickens and turkeys allowed to run out in the rains of earlj' Spring, and among incubator chicks that are allowed to get chilled. Congestion of the lungs maj- also occur in full-fed, plethoric birds from over -abundance and too great richness of the blood. This liquid then becomes thick and circulates with more difficulty than when in a normal condition; the delicate vessels in the lungs be- come clogged, distended and finally ru]:)tured. This form of the disease is the result of improper feeding and lack of exercise and is seen most frequently in cage birds. Symptoms. — The affected bird breathes rapidly and with difficulty. It is indisposed to move, stupid, sleepy, and does not notice what is going on about it. Thick DISKASES OF POUI.TRV. 53 mucus tinged with blood may escape from the mouth. The comb is dark red or l)luish trom hick of oxygen in the l)lood. The sjanptoms ai)])ear suddenly and the bird lives but a few minutes or hours. Trkatmi-:nt. — The treatment of congestion of the lungs in birds must consist entirely of measures for its l^revention, since the course of the disease, when it has once developed, is exceedingly ra])id and fatal. Young birds and fowls which are molting should 1)e guarded from exposure and cold, ])articularly when wet. Birds in confinement should V)e given a varied ration with green food, roots, or fruit and plent}- of exercise. When birds are dj-ing from any cause a careful exami- nation of the carcasses should be made. If the lungs are found very dark in color and distended with blood, particularly if blood has escaped into the bronchi and air sacs from ruptured vessels, this indicates the nature of the disease and should lead to the adoption of proper measures of i)revention. Medical treatment of sick birds is impracticable on account of the rajiid progress of the disease. PNEU.MOXIA, INFLAMMATION OF THE LUNOS. One of the most common diseases with our four- footed animals is inilammation of the lungs, technically called pneumonia, l)ut this malady appears to be much less common with birds. Some veterinarians who have given considerable study to this sul)ject state that they have never seen typical pneumonia in these 'creatures. There is no doubt, however, tliat it does occur quite frequently, and that it is essentialh- the same in symptoms, nature, and effect as the pneumonia of mammals. Pneumonia is an alteration of the lungs which is 54 DISEASES OF POULTRY. one step beyond congestion. If a bird is affected with congestion of the lungs and does not die or recover within a few hours, the disease may develop into pneumonia. In this disease there is not only disten- tion of the l)loodves.seIs, as with congestion, but there is thrown out from these vessels a liquid which fills the air-cells and by coagulating forms a semi-solid, gelatinous substance, that excludes the air and renders the lungs useless for respiration. The lung is then darker in color than in health, and when pressed upon gives a sensation of firmness and solidity comparable with the liver; therefore, the lung in that condition is said to be hepatized. Causation. — Two factors are believed to work to- gether in the production of pneumonia. There must be the conditions which produce congestion, viz., refrigeration, chilling of the surface of the body, dis- turbance of the general circulation from some cause, inhalation of irritating vapors or plethora ; and there must apparently be something else. This additional factor is in many cases, at least with the larger animals and man, a species of the bacteria. The same proba- bly holds true with birds. It appears that the bacteria which change congestion into inflammation are germs which under ordinary cir- cumstances are harmless, and which may often be found upon the surface of the mucous membrane of healthy animals. Now, if there are simultaneou.sly in the same animal, germs which are sufficiently active, and, also, a congestion of the lungs, there have been brought together the conditions required to develop pneumonia. Symptoms. — The symptoms are similar to those seen in pulmonary congestion. The breathing is rapid^ riSKASKS (11" POULTRY. D^) difficult, and painful. There may be coughing with discharge from the mouth or nostrils of thick, ad- hesive mucus, grayish or yellowish in color or tinged with blood. The bird stands with ruffled plumage, drooping wings, head drawn in, and everj^ appearance of severe illness. There is loss of appetite from the first, with thirst and constipation. On examination of the lungs after death one or both of these organs are found dark in color, engorged with blood and solidified. The pneumonia may take either one of two forms. There may be what is known as broncho -pneumonia, in which case the infiammation affects more particularly the l^ronchi and the lung is not much solidified. The bronchial tul)es in this case are more or less filled with thick mucus and exudate. In the other form, called croupous pneumonia, the tis- sue of the lung is principally affected. It is then that the lung is solidified by the filling up of the air- cells. A piece of lung so affected, if dropped into a bucket of water, sinks to the bottom while healthy lung tissue wmII float. The bronchial tubes and air- sacs are also in some cases filled with a thick, yellow- ish fibrinous exudate which blocks up these air -pas- sages and becomes partly solidified. Treatment. — This is a rapid and fatal disease with birds and one in which treatment is very unsatisfactory. The bird should first of all be taken into a warm room and covered with a piece of blanket, if the weather be at all cold, leaving its head uncovered, so that there will be no obstruction to its supply of fresh air. It should be given linseed tea frequently, but a small quantity at a time, as a drink. This tea is made by pouring a pint of boiling water on an ounce of flaxseed and kee])ing the mixture hot but not boiling for two 56 I)Isi:a.si:s oi- poi'i.tky. hours. The seeds are then removed by straining and the niucilajjinous li(iuid which has valua1)le demulcent properties may be kept l)efore the affected bird as a simple drink or it may also be used as a vehicle for certain medicines. Sufficient nitrate of potash should be dissolved in the drink so thatthe bird will take about one strain three times a day. If the patient appears to be failing and becomes very sleepy with a dark bluish color of the comb and gills, mix fifteen drops of tinct- ure of digitalis with one ounce of water and adminis- ter ten drops of this mixture every two hours. In dropping such medicines it is best to use a medicine dropper, as drops of more uniform size are obtained. Great care should, also, be ol)served in administering the medicine to avoid its getting into the air -passages and causing strangulation. When the bird begins to improve, a grain of cjuinine or ten drops of cod liver oil twice a da\', will hasten recover}'. The food dur- ing sickness and recovery should be nutritious and digestible. A small (luantity of warm milk, or milk and egg beaten together, or chopped raw beef may be offered from time to time, while the attack lasts and as the appetite returns gradually replace with mash or more solid articles of food. The disease may be prevented by the measures mentioned in the article on congestion of the lungs. MYCOSIS OF THE AIR -PASSAGES, OR ASPERGILLOSIS. Several species of fungi or molds may develop with - in the air -passages of animals, and particularly of birds, and cause serious disease. These fungi all be- long to the genus Aspergillus, the parasitic species being in the order of their importance as follows : Aspergillus Jumiiiatus, Aspergillus yiigreseens, As-per- ins H ASKS OF POri.TKV. 57 gillns glancus, and Aspcrt^illus ca)ididus. Usually these fungi are found in nature growing upon dead organic matter; but they have great vegetative and resisting power and are able to adapt themselves to various conditions of existence. Many species of birds are affected by them, the dis- ease caused by their develop- ment having been observed in pig- eons, pheasants, fowls, ducks, geese and swans, as well as in vari - ous cage and wildl)irds. Pam- pered and deli- cate birds are be- lieved to be most /requently at- tacked. The dis- ease may take on the characters of an epizootic and attack a large Fip. 9. --Dia^'-rammatic representation of tlu" air" numl)er of indi - .^acs stiowintr tUflr relation loeacli other, and to the lunf^s. A, trachea; B, interclavicular sac; viduals. C, I). E, F, extensions of the interclavicular sac; G, anterior thorocic sac; H. humerus: I, jxister- SVMPTOMS. In ior thoracic sac; J, entrance of bronchial mem- brane; K, abdominal sac. the early stages of the disease no symptoms are noticed, and it is only after it has progressed considerably that these be- come apparent. The affected birds do not follow the flock ; they are very weak, scarcely able to stand, and, 58 DISKASKS OF I'Ori.TRV. consequently, remain by themselves and move about very little. They remain in a recumbent position, resting upon the sternum, are sleep}', and, if forced to run, soon fall from exhaustion. The plumage is dull and rough, the wings are pendant, the eyelids partly closed, the head de])ressed. The respiration is accel- erated and accompanied by a rattling or snoring sound, particularly during the expiration, and becomes diffi- cult and labored, the bird opening its l>eak from time to time, in order to take a long inspiration. The tem- perature of the body is elevated, the thirst increai-ed and the appetite is diminished or disappears. There is more or less catarrh of the trachea and bronchi, with emaciation and diarrhea leading to death from exhaustion in from one to eight weeks. When the disease is limited to the air -sacs of the interior of the body, emaciation may be the only symptom ; but when it extends to the bones there may be lameness with swollen and painful joints. In examining the birds after death, the seat of the disease may be found in the trachea, l)ronchi, lungs, the various air -sacs, and other internal organs. It is sometimes, though rareljs found in the nostrils and in the air -sacs of the interior of the bones. Two kinds of lesions are found. There may be tubercles re- sembling closely' those of tuberculosis. These are whitish or yellowish nodules varying from the size of a pinhead to that of a pea. They may be isolated or joined together in masses of considerable proportions. These tubercles are generally found in the depth of the tissues, and even in the marrow of the bones. On the mucous membrane liningthe air-tubes andair-sacs, the second form of disease process is seen. This con- sists of a membranous formation, an eighth of an inch DISEASES OF POULTRY. 59 or more in thickness, which bears upon its surface a growth of the fungus. These membranous patches are at first soft, but become firmer with age, and are yel- lowish or greenish in color, resembling a fibrino -puru- lent exudate. They adhere closely to the mucous membrane which is there thickened and inflamed. The air -sacs are sometimes obstructed by these growths which may in time become caseous or even calcareous. These changes may also be seen in the intestines, the mesentery, the liver and in other organs. Filer. W.—Asf-er^iV/iix g/muiis, Fig. W.—Aspci-gil/iis fionigatux (7<7, mvceliuin. /•/•," spore bearing- with conidia t)earers; r;(7,fruit stalks: rr. supports of the spores; heads in optical cross- section; //.chains of spores; gg, bluish /., fruit heads seen from above, green spores. The membrane lining the air -passages may, also, be found ulcerated, and the ulcers may be either naked or covered with a growth of the fungus. There is often seen in the mouth of pigeons a whitish nodule, the size of a pea or larger, which is called a ranker. This is believed by some authorities to be caused by the aspergillus. In the very acute and rapid cases, the lungs may simply show inflammation, or there may be formation of pus or abscesses in the lungs, kidneys, liver and spleen as in pyccmia or septic infection. In some of 60 DISlvASKS or POULTKV. .these cases there may Ije extensive hemorrhages, either locally or throughout the body, and these may con- stitute the only apparent alterations. A microscopic examination reveals the spores or fila- ments of the fungus in most of the lesions, whether these are acute or chronic. The nature of the disease maj' consequently be determined bj- a posi-niortevi ex- amination, but the diagnosis is uncertain and difficult during the life of the bird. Causation. — The various species of Aspcrgilli which cause this disease exist abundantly in nature and develop, particularly in some warm summers, upon all kinds of straw and grains. When musty straw or musty grain is thrown to the fowls the exciting cause of the disease is placed before them. As little care is exercised to remove this dust be- fore straw is placed in the scratching -pens, or before grain is fed, vast numbers of the spores of these parasitic fungi are inhaled. This explains why the disease is generally found in the air-tubes, the lungs, and the air -sacs. Although many birds are exposed, but a comparatively small number are affected. These are probabl}^ more or less predisposed. It has been ob- served, in fact, that the delicate breeds, or the delicate and weak individuals, are most sul)ject to the disease. Some authors are of the opinion that colds, irritation of the mucous membrane, or other forms of disease generally formthestartingpoint of this mj'cosis. It is, also, probable that the numl)er of spores taken into the air -tubes or digestive organs has great influence in determining the result. Pkkvkntion. — As this disease is caused by the spores of pathogenic fungi which have developed upon disp:asks of poultry. . 61 grain or straw, or similar substances, and as these spores must be inhaled with the breath or swallowed with the food, it is generally easy to guard against them. To accomplish this, avoid musty straw, or musty or moldy food. If grain or straw is very dusty remove this dust by appropriate means before it is put where fowls have access to it. Keep the houses clean, dry, and well ventilated in order to prevent the accumula- tion of such spores. Destroy by fire or deeply bury the carcasses of birds which die. Treatment. — This disease when once established is usually fatal, notwithstanding medical treatment. Fumigation with tar vapor has been recommended. This is accomplished by shutting the fowls in a tight room, placing a tablespoonful of wood tar on a pint of water and stirring with a red-hot iron. The fowls are forced to breathe this vapor, which should not be so dense as to cause much irritation of the respiratory apparatus. The experiments of Lucet indicate that Fowler's solution of arsenic and particularly the tinct- ure of iodine injected hypodermically have consider- able influence in retarding the disease in rabbits. In the canker of pigeons, if other treatment fails, tincture of iodine may be applied to the affected part with a small brush or swab. In other forms of the disease in birds the internal administration of tincture of iodine or iodide of potassium should be tried. No form of treatment yet suggested, however, is very promising and the effort should be to prevent rather than to cure. > THE AIR-SAC MITE. The peculiar arrangement of the respiratory organs in birds has led to the development of a form of para- 62 DisKASEs or POn.TKV. sitism which is not seen in our other domesticated animals. One of the mites has domiciled itself in the air -sacs of the gallinaceous birds, especially in poultry and pheasants, and is found at times in great numbers even iu the abdominal sacs and in those which pene- trate the bones. This mite, called the Cylodili's vuduSy is closely related to those mites which live upon the skin and cause mange or scabies. Indeed, when first discovered it was supposed by Gerlach to be one of the mange insects and to cause an internal form of that disease. Careful study has shown that while the Cytodites is closely related to the mange acari, it differs from them in very im- portant characters. The mouth parts in the mange mites are formed to cut and tear the flesh and enable the mite to burrow into the skin, or, at least, to puncture the skin and obtain blood or serum for its suste- nance. In the air -sac mites the mouth parts are grown together and form a tube through which liquids may be sucked, but which is not adapted for tearing or puncturing the flesh. It would appear, therefore, that the.se mites can only produce a superficial irritation by their presence and movements upon the delicate surface of the mucous membranes, or possibly by depositing a virulent saliva such as is supposed to be the cause of a part of the Fijr. \2.— Cytodites tinJus. male DISEASES OK POUI.TKV. 63 irritation of mange. Nevertheless, Holzendorff states that in addition to the infection of the air -sacs he has found in the lungs, liver, kidneys and other viscera, a great number of yellow miliary tubercles in which he also recognized this parasite. When theair-sacmitesexist in very small numbers, no signs of irritation or ill health are seen in the affected birds. When they become very numerous, however, they cause considerable irritation of the lining mem- brane of the air -sacs and they are crowded into the bronchi, where they set up inflammation, which may take the form of bronchitis or broncho -pneumonia. Megnin states that in such cases there may be obstruc- tion of the air -passages causing fits of coughing and even sudden death from suffocation. Gerlach accused the Cj'todites of causing enteritis (inflammation of the intestines), and Zundel thought they caused both en- teritis and peritonitis (inflammation of the serous membrane lining the abdominal cavity). They pro- bably cause anaemia, loss of flesh, and general un- thriftiness, even if no form of acute disease develops. This parasitic affection of the air-sacs is, of course, a contagious disease. The mites can not live for a very long time outside of the bird's body; they are brought upon a farm with affected birds and as opportunity offers they pass from bird to bird until the greater part or the whole of the flock becomes contaminated. No doubt the mites penetrate the body by crawling into the nostrils and following the trachea and bronchial tubes until they reach the air -sacs. How frequently, or under what circumstances they leave the air -sacs and seek the outside air is unknown. Symptoms. — In many cases birds affected with the 64 DISKASl-S OF rori.TKY. air-sac mite show no symptoms of disease, and the ex- istence of the parasite is only discovered accidentally when the carcass of a bird which has died from some other cause is being examined. In other cases the fowls are listless, inactive, with pale comb, and loss of flesh. Occasional- ly one dies without anyapparent cause. The acute cases may come on with - out premonitory symptoms. The affected birds are found quite ill, standing by them- selves, with neck retracted, wings drooped, and la- bored breathing. There may b e rattling of mucus in the throat as in bronchitis, or paroxysms of coughing. Death may come suddenly from obstruction of the air -tubes with plugs of mucus, or in other cases the illness may be prolonged and the birds die of exhaustion. The mites are readily discovered on the walls of the air -sacs after the death of the bird. They are about one-fiftieth of an inch in length and, therefore, easily seen with the naked eye. They are often so numerous that the surfaces of the air -sacs appear as though dust- ed with a whitish or yellowish powder. By careful watching, the points of which this powder is composed are seen to move and may be made out as the indivi- T'lg. XZ.—Cytodites NitJiix, female. nisi-:AsKs OK pon.TRv. 65 dual acari. The mucous surface of the air -sacs may also be covered with yellowish points of exudate, the result of the irritation caused by the parasite, while the 1)ronchi are congested and partly filled with mucus. In extreme cases there may also be pneumonia. Tricatment. — Megnin recommends giving sulphur mixed with the food and states that the small quan- tity volatilized and eliminated by the lungs is sufl&- cient to kill the parasites. Others advise fumigation with the vapors of burning tar or the steam from boiling tar water. If this mite is discovered in the flock, efforts should be made to entirely eradicate it. No birds from an infected flock should be sold for breeding purposes. Feeding sulphur and fumigations may be tried, but the flock should be carefully watched, and if the parasite persists in spite of this treatment, it would te better to kill off all the birds, disinfect thor- oughly and start with new birds from a flock known to be healthy. One of the best plans to secure a flock free from parasites of all kinds is to purchase eggs, hatch them in an incubator, raise the chicks in a clean brooder and put them on ground that has not been used for fowls for several years. There are so many parasites to which birds are subject, that may be avoided in this way, that we would recommend the plan to all who have discovered that their fowls are infested with parasites, or who for some mysterious reason have failed to make poultry thrive and yield satisfactory returns under ordinary conditions. 66 DISHASIS Ol- POn.TRV OHAPTKR III. Diseases of the Organs of Digestion. GENERAIv KEMAKKS CONCERNING THE DIC r^STIVE ORGANS — OBSTRUCTION OK THE BEAK — INFLAMMATION OF THE MUCOUS MEMBRANE OF THE MOUTK, PIP, CATARRHAL STOMATITIS — THRUSH, APHTHA — DIPHTHERIA — PSOROS- PERMOSIS — ASPERGILLOSIS — CROUPOUS ANGINA — OB- STRUCTION OF THE PHARYNX — CATARRH OR INFLAM- MATION OF THE CROP — PARALYSIS OF THE CROP, IM PACTED CROP, OBSTRUCTED CROP — ABNORMAL APPETITE, ABERRATION OF THE APPETITE — CATARRH OF THE PRO VENTRICULUS, INFLAMMATION OF THE STOMACH, GAS- TRITIS. GENERAL REMARKS CONCERNING THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. ^#W'T IS necessary to know something of the form, II structure, situation and use of the different II oro:ans which constitute the digestive appa- ratus in order to fully understand the diseases to which these organs are subject. Birds do not masti - cate their food as do mammals, but this is swallowed in the condition in which it is found, and, after passing along the upper part of the oesophagus, drops into the crop. The crop, or first stomach, Fig. 14-4, is a dila- tation of the oesophagus ; or we might call it a pouch attached to the front of this tube before it reaches the second stomach or succentric ventricle. It mav be DISEASES OF POULTRY, 67 Fig. 14.— Digestive App.4^r.\tus of the Chicke.n. In this Hg-ure all of the head has been removed except the lower iaw which has been turned sidewise to show the ton;rue and the openings to the trachea and ••=« 1, tontrue; 2, pharynx, showing opening- to larvnx; 3, upper portion of OESophag-us; 4, crop; s, lower portion of oesophagus; 6, succentric ventricle- /,g-izzard; 8, ong-in of the duodenum: 9. first branch of duodenal flexure' ^fu^^l i: !;:^';"^,l-lSucr""'"'" ^"^ binkry-ducts; 23. pancVeas; 68 DISEASES or POULTRY. compared with the rumen or paunch of cattle and sheep. The food which is eaten and other substances which are swallowed drop first into the crop where they are macerated and softened in the liquids secreted by this organ. The contents of this crop are under normal conditions soon forced by the contractions of its nuiscular walls into the lower part of the oesophagus, which carries them on into the second or true stomach, the ]-)roventriculus or succentric ventricle, where they are mixed with the gastric juice and rapidly passed onward to the gizzard. In the grain -eating birds, the gizzard is a remark- ably firm, thick muscular organ which takes the food that has been softened and mixed with digestive liquids, and grinds it by pressing and rubl)ing it against pebbles that the bird has swallowed. Kven the hardest grains and seeds are reduced in this manner to a paste upon which the digestive liquids can readily exert their dissolving action. This paste is pressed onward into the small intestine where it is mixed with the secretions of the liver, pancreas, and intestines, which complete the solution of the nutritive principles and render them proper for assimilation. Under natural conditions birds are compelled to hunt their food, they find and eat but a small quantity at a time, and the crop, while designed by nature as a reservoir for storing food, is not overloaded by receiv- ing a day's ration in a few minutes. In the domesti- cated state, these conditions are more or less changed, the birds are fed only once or twice a day and from lack of gravel, indigestion, and insuflficient exercise, acquire abnormal appetites and eat feathers, straw, dry leaves and other indigestible substances. Ui.seases DISEASES OF POULTRY. 69 ami obstructions of the digestive tract occur from such causes, and while these are more or less preventable, even the most careful manager may occasionally find some of his birds affected. It is, therefore, advisable to study the form and functions of each organ so that the slightest variation from the normal working may be appreciated, and, also, that the proper change in management may suggest itself for the correction of such derangement. OBSTRUCTION OF THK BEAK. It is seldom that the upper part of the digestive tract of birds becomes obstructed. Megnin has, how- ever, recorded the case of a bird in which a sunflower seed had become tightly wedged within the space formed by the branches of the lower mandible. This seed compressed and completely paralyzed the tongue, and as the bird was unable to dislodge it, the result was death from inanition. If the cause of the trouble had been recognized before the death of the bird, the offending body could have been easily removed with a toothpick or any pointed object and an immediate cure would have been thus affected. When a bird is seen to jerk its head suddenly as if to rid itself of some- thing which adheres to the beak or head, particularly if there is difficulty of picking up and swallowing food, a careful examination should be made for some obstructing body such as a seed or a piece of bone. By raising the tongue, the angle of the lower mandible may be readily explored. No special directions are needed for the removal of such obstructions further than to use due care and to avoid as far as possible any injury to the sensitive tissues. 70 DISEASES OF POULTRY. INFLAMMATION OF THE MUCOUS MEMBRANE OF THE MOUTH, PIP, CATARRHAL STOMATITIS. A catarrhal inflammation of the mouth is seen in fowls and may be either an independent disease or a complication of certain inflammatory diseases of the respiratory organs. The term "pip" is commonl^^ used with birds much as "hollow horn" and "mur- rain " are applied to cattle diseases; that is, it is made to cover a large part of the diseases to which birds are subject, and it is sometimes believed to exist bj'^ over- anxious poultry keepers when a careful examination shows that the birds are perfectly healthy. Symptoms. — Inflammation of the mouth is a rare rather than a common disease. The symptoms con- sist of the drying of the membrane of the mouth and particularly of that covering the tongue. A hard opaque deposit accumulates along the edges and upon the under surface of the tongue, and may firmly attach this organ to the adjacent parts. The dried epidermis may partly separate from the sensitive tissues, and form a hard shell which remains attached to the free extremity of the tongue, causing more or less painful constriction and interfering with the movements of this important organ. Cause. — This disease arises from any form of local irritation or injury which is sufficiently serious or long continued to set up inflammatory action. In the ma- jority of cases it is probably caused by micro -organisms of feeble virulence which are able to make some head- way when the digestive organs are deranged and the circulation of the parts somewhat disturbed. In most other cases, there is nothing more than a drying or desiccation of the mucous membrane caused by breath - DISKASKS OF POULTRY. 71 iiig- through the incnith on account of ol)strvtction of the air passages, or disease of the lungs affecting the respiration. Trkatment. — The common treatment which con- sists of tearing the dried epithelium off the tongue, be- fore it has entirely separated by the natural process, is cruel and injurious, often leading to the death of the bird. In case of simple drying of the mouth, it is suf^cient to moisten the tongue with a few drops of a mixture of equal parts of glycerine and water. In case there is redness of the membrane, or if the epithe- lium is beginning to separate, or if a deposit has formed, add twenty grains of chlorate of potash to each ounce of this mixture. An excellent remedy for such cases is made by dissolving fifteen grains of boric acid in an ounce of water. Both of these solutions are harmless and may be freely and frequently applied. When the epithelium is separating, it should be kept moistened with the glycerine mixture and its detach- ment may be somewhat facilitated by loosening it with a pin or the point of a penknife, but great care should be exercised, the sensitive tissues should not be touched and no blood should be drawn. If properly treated the disease remains localized and is of slight import- ance. The exaggerated idea prevalent as to the dan- gerous character of "pip," probabl}^ arises from its being associated with serious diseases of the respira- tory organs and from the fatal results which follow the forcible tearing away of the dried epithelium, leaving a bleeding and ulcerating surface. Should the dr3nng and irritation of the membrane be the result of breath- ing through the mouth on account of disease of the air passages or lungs, the latter must, of course, be treated to effect a permanent cure. 72 1)Isi:asi:s oi* I'on.TKv. THKUSII, APHTII.V:. In lumian nifdicine tlit.' Iltius thrush and aphthce are applied to an affection of the mucous membrane of the mouth, seen particularly' in children, and which is characterized 1))'the i^roduction of a white cheesy sul)- stance, com]iosed of the filaments and spores of a ve.s^etable i)arasite, called the Oidiiou albicans (or Sac- cliaroviyccs albicans) and of the cells of the epithelium which have undergone extensive proliferation. Veteri- narians have applied the name to several distinct dis- eases of the mouth, seen in various mammals and birds, which are characterized by a white or yellowish de- posit on various parts of the mucous membrane lining that cavity. It is supposed that the term thrush has been applied to diphtheria and chicken pox in birds and possibly to other diseases. True thrush, although a rare disease, has been noted in at least two instances where a reliable diagnosis appears to have been made. One of the two cases recorded in birds was described by Eberth as follows : At the autopsy of a verj^ emaci - ated fowl, which had died after violent convulsions, there was found on the mucous meml)rane of the oesoph- agus, from the middle of that tube to the crop, several white but not extensive deposits firmly adhering to the surface. The internal surface of the crop was covered by a white layer, similar to the deposit of thrush. Below the crop, the oesophagus also had some more patches of a brownish -3'ellow color. The microscopic examination of this layer proved it to be composed of the spores and filaments of the Saccharoniyces albicans. The second case, recorded by Martin, was observed in a 3'oung turkey. At the autopsy, there was found at the ]iosterior ])art of the oesophagus and reaching as DISEASES OF POULTRY. 73 Fig. 15.— Microscopic elements of thrush; a. a, and r, c, epithelial cells; /". b. isolated spores of the Sacc/tarn/nvris albicans; , capillaries dilated and filled with red corpuscles; r, round cells or leucocytes, x 500. the mucous membrane and set up the changes which constitute the disease. Treatment. — It is evident that the treatment of in- fectious entero -hepatitis must be principally of a hy- gienic and preventive nature. Where the disease has existed long upon a farm, the roosting places, runs and feeding grounds must be infected, and the breeding stock are affected in a chronic form and are continually disseminating the contagion. This being the case, adequate measures must be adopted to free the prem- ises from the parasife before healthy stock can be no 1)I.si:a.ses of poultry raised. Thorough disinfection should of course be carried out, using a solution of carbolic acid five parts to one hundred parts of water. All of the turkeys on the farm should be killed in order to certainl}' get rid of the infected ones. In starting a new flock, obtain eggs from health}' stock and hatch them under com- mon fowls or in an incubator. Rai;-e the } oung tur- keys, if possible, on a part of the farm that has not been infected. By following this course, it should be eu. ^;a^r:^t^ ' ) ■.'% f^% -> d Fiff. 23.— Section of mucous membrane of diseased cnecuni; "•nuclei of the epithelium of a crypt: «'. mucin cell; /■, spindle-shaped cells; r. protozoa situated within the meshes of the reticulum; s in. wide ; intestine. Drepanidotcsnia sinuosa. Duck and goose ■ 2 to 7 in. long; 1-25 to 1-12 in. wide; intestine. Drcpanidofa-nia tenuirostris. Goose; 4 to 5 in. long; 1-25 to Is in. wide; intestine. Echinocotyle Rosscteri. Duck ; young specimens 1-lb in. long ; 1-100 in. wide ; intestine. Tccnia cantaniatia. Turkey ; Yz in. long ; intestine. Tcsnia Delafondi. Pigeon ; intestine. Tceiiia exilis. Fowl; 1 in. long; 1-25 to 1-12 in. wide; intestine. Tcenia Krabbei. Goose. Tccnia malleus. Fowl and duck ; Wz to 8 in. long-; Jo in. wide ; intestine. Tccnia megalops. Duck; 1-5 to 2 in. long ; 1-20 in. wide ; intestine. FLUKES (TREMATODA). Cephalogonimus ovatus. "^ to Yi iii- long; 1-12 to Jfe in. broad ; fowls and geese ; bursa of Fabricius. Crossodcra linearis. Yz in. long; 1-16 in. broad; fowls; caeca and rectum. Echinostomum echinatum. Light red in color |6 to >3 in. long, 1^ in. broad ; fowls, ducks and geese ; ca;ca and rectum. Mesogonimns coviniiitatus. Yi !"• long, 1-12 in. broad ; fowls and turkeys ; caica. Notocotyle verriicosum. Pink in color, 1-12 to ]i in. long-; 1-30 to 1-20 in. broad ; fowls, ducks and geese ; creca. ROUND WORMS (NEMATODA). Ascaris crassa. Male 'i in. long; female 2 in. long ; duck; intestine. 116 DISEASKS OF POULTRY. /hh-rakis coinprcssa. M;ilo2 in. Ioiil;; female 3V i"- long"; fowl ; intestine. Ilitirakis diffcrcns. Sliff htly larj^'-er than papulosa : fowl ; posterior portion of intestine. Hetcrakis dispar. Male ,'2 to -3 in. long- : fenale -3 to 1 in. lonj,'' ; g-oosc ; caeca. Hetcrakis maculosa. Male % to 1 in. lony : female 1 to 1>^ in. long- ; pig-eon ; intestine. Hetcrakis papulosa. Male M in. long; female '2 in. long; fowl, turkey, g-uinea fowl, g-oose, and peacock ; ca-ca. Hetcrakis pcrspicillum. Male 1 to 3 in. long ; female 2U to 5 in. long ; fowl and turkey ; small intestine. Strongylus tenuis. Male ,'4^ in. long ; female '• in. long; goose ; intestine. Trichosoma anatis. Male '2 in. long; female 1 in. long ; goose; cfeca. Trichosoma annulatum. Male 73 in. long; female 3 in. long ; fowl ; intestine. Trichosoma collare. Male ,'3 in. long; female '3 to >2 in. long ; fowl ; intestine. Trichosoma longicolle. Male -3 to 1 in. long ; female 3 in. long ; fowl ; intestine. THORN-HEADED WOKMS { ACANTHOCEPHAI.A). EchinorhyyickusfiliLollis. Male '3 in. long; female '2 to l'/( in. long ; duck ; intestine. Echiiiorhynchus polymorphus. ]b to 1 in long; orange-red; duck and goose ; intestine. Echinorhynchus sphccrocephalus. '4 to -3 in. long: duck; intestine. SYMPTOM.S. — The symptoms which indicate the ex- istence of worms in the intestines are not ver}^ charac- teristic, Init are such as would be expected from ill- health due to any chronic disease. The birds become dull, weak, emaciated, isolate themselves, are indis- posed to search for their food, are stiff in their walk, their pluma, an inverted piece of chicken's intestine with numerous tapeworms attached. lis DISEASES OF POULTRY. flock of 36 geese on one farm, was reported by Lucet. These birds had been gathered from different l^laces, were about two months old, and it was supposed they had acquired the germs in a pool where they drank. The disease was at first ob- scure, and was manifested by arrest of growth, ema- ciation, difficult and stumbling walk, a yellow and fetid diarrhea, and plaintive cries emitted from time to time. The appetite remained normal until nearly the last — death ensuing in five to seven daj-s after the appearance of the first symptoms. The disease was due to Drepanidotccnia setigera. The number in each goose was always high, as many as 93 being found. With these worms were also found 3 or 4 of the Dre- pa n idotcen ia la n ccola ta . Various authors have reported enzootics due to the Hetcrakis pcrspicillum {Httcrakis infiexa). Meguin gives the symptoms as loss of appetite, emaciation, in- difference, somnolency with sudden starts of wakeful- ness, and diarrhea. In one outbreak about thirty worms were found in each fowl that had died ; in another, pellets of the worms as large as a pigeon's egg were found obstructing the duodenum. Lvicet observed verminous enteritis in poultry -j'ards, due to the association of various species of worms. The affection made slow progress, and the fowls at- tacked preserved their appetite, but lost condition and became dull and indifferent. Later, the plumage lostits lustre and became erect; while the wings were droop- ing and the movements languid. A fetid diarrhea set in, wasting became more marked, and the appetite was diminished. Soon the creatures remained immovable and huddled up, with their eyes half closed; the comb and mucous membranes lost their color; the tempera- DISKAS]':S OF POUI.TKV. 119 ture was below nonual ; the appetite disappeared, and the feet were swollen. These fowls often yawned, and their torpor and ancemia were extreme; death ensued in a tranquil manner in the course of one or two months. On postnwrton ex- amination there was observed, in addition to the emaciation, the lesions of a chronic diar- rheic enteritis and the follow - in<2: parasitic worms : Davainca p roi^lot Una, Drepanidotcenia infiindibjiJiformis, D avaine a ces/icillus, Hcicrakis papil- / OS a, I/ctcKakis perspicillum and Irichosoina coll are. The Davalnea proglotti)ia wa.5 the principal cause of the malady and in each case was found in thousands . The H e t e r a k i s papulosa and Hricrakis per- spicillum were less constant, though they had taken a good share in the development of the disease. Vw. 26.- Notocotyle verrucosum. The Heterakis maculosa often exists in enormous num- bers in the intestines of pigeons and may be so disas- trous in their effects as to prevent the raising of these birds. As many as 400 to 500 of these worms may be found in the intestine of one bird. A microscopic ex- amination of the affected laird's excrement reveals in- numerable masses of the ova or eggs of the Heterakis. In about 7 grams (2 drams) of excrement passed by a 120 DISKASKS OF POULTRY. diseased pigeon in twenty -four hours, Unterberger found on an average 12,()t)U of these eggs. Some of these eggs were placed on damp blotting paper in a flask and their evolution studied. The embrj'os were well formed in about 17 days. These ova were then given to perfectly healthy pigeons, when they were, in about three weeks, transformed into adult worms. When, on the other hand, healthy pigeons were given theova immediately after their expulsion with the faeces, or their discharge from the oviducts, they did not de- velop, and were passed with the excrements intact or slightly digested. The evolution of the ])arasite, therefore, can only take place beyond the intestine, without the necessity, however, of an intermediate host. Infestation takes place from pigeon to pigeon, through the medium of the food soiled l)y the excre- ments of the diseased birds. Treatment. — Parasitic infestation of the digestive tract should be guarded against by hygienic measures so far as possible One of the most important of these measures is to move the fowls upon fresh ground every two or three years, or certainly in all cases where such parasites are frequently' observed in the intestines of the birds. Another practical measure, which may be adopted at the same time, is to remove the excrement daily from the houses and destroy any parasites or their eggs which may be in it, by mixing it with quick lime or saturating it with a ten-per-cent solution of sulphuric acid. The acid is cheap, but requires that great care be taken in diluting it, owing to danger of its splashing upon the clothing and flesh and causing severe burns. It should always be poured slowly into the water used for dilution, but on no account should DISKASKS OF POUI.TKV. 121 water he poured into the acid as it will cause explo- sions and si)lashing. When treating diseased birds these should always be isolated and confined, and their droppings should either be burned or treated with lime or sulphuric acid as just recommended. Without these hygienic meas- ures, medical treatment can only be partially success- ful. One of the best methods of treating tapeworms in fowls is to mix in the feed a teaspoonful of powdered pomegranate root bark for every fifty head of birds. In treating a few birds at a time it is well to follow this medicine with a purgative dose of castor oil (two or three teaspoonfuls). According to Zurn, powdered areca nut is the best tapeworm remedy for fowls, but he states that turkeys are unfavorably affected by it. It may l^e given in doses of 30 to 45 grains mixed with butter and made into pills.' Male fern is also a very effectual remedy and may be used in the form of pow- der (dose 30 grains to 1 dram) or of liquid extract (dose 15 to 30 drops) . It should be given in the morn- ing and evening, before feeding. Oil of turpentine is an excellent remedy for all worms which inhabit the digestive canal. It may be given in the dose of one to three teaspoonfuls, and is best administered b}' forcing it through a small flexible catheter that has been oiled and passed through the mouth and oesophagus to the crop. This medicine is less severe in its effects if diluted with an equal bulk of olive oil, but, if it fails to destroy the parasites when so diluted, it may be given pure. The method of administering medicine by depositing it directly in the crop can be advantageously used with many other liquid remedies, and should be adopted in all cases where it is important to have the full dose in 122 DISKASKS OF POULTRY. the Stomach in a short time. It does away with the uncertainty attending the giving of medicine in the feed or drinking water, and with a little practice is more ex- peditious than making and giv- ing pills. The open end of the catheter may be inserted into a rubber bulb having one opening. Just sufficient air should be ex- pelled from the bulb, so that the dose of medicine will be sucked up without being followed by much air. The bird's head is then brought in a line with the neck, which is extended, the catheter is passed carefully to the crop, when a slight pressure on the bulb forces out the medicine, and the instrument is withdrawn. The operator should be sure that he avoids the trachea. For the treatment of the heter- akis, Megnin recommends mix- ing santonin with the food given to the fowls. The powdered santonin may be incorporated in a cake, the dose being 7 or 8 grains for each bird. An efficient Fig. n.-Echinoriiynchns j-pmcdv is made by boiling an po/ymorplitis, male; matini- -^ ' ■ ' ounce each of male fern, tansy and savory in a pint of water. The resulting liquid is mixed with flour, which is then made 'fied 20 diameters. l into three quite distinct lobes, each lobe connecting- will; the ureter. The texture of tlie kidneys is much more frail than in mammalia, readily yielding; under the pressure of the finger. The lobes are made up of lob- ules having somewhat the a])])earance of the convolu - tions of the brain. The uriniferous tu])es do not empty into a cavity or pelvis in the interior of tl:e kidney as with mammals, but unite ujion the surface of the gland to form the ureter. The ureters are continued along the surface of tlie kidney towards the inner side, being here and the:e imbedded in its substance, presenting a series of dila - tations corresponding to the principal lobes, and re- ceiving the branches of the uriniferous tubes as they ])ass along. Bej'ond the kidneys the ureters pass behind the cloaca, penetrate its walls, and, finallj^end in val- vular eminences in the lower part of the cloaca. The urine as secreted is very thick having the color an. 1 consistency of cream, being composed almost entirely of uric acid. It dries to a chalky paste in the cloaca from which it is expelled with the faeces. The excre- ment of birds, as is well known, is composed of two distinct portions, one white and the other of variable color. The former is the secretion of the kidneys, and the latter is the residue of alimentary matters which has passed through the intestines. PARENCHYMATOUS NEPHRITIS, INFLAMMATION OF TinC KIDNE.YS. A case of this disease is recorded by Megnin as hav- ing occurred in a Langshan pullet, seven months old. The symptoms were evident suffering in the vicinity of the kidneys. The bird remained continually lying upon its abdomen, only occasionally rising with diffi- culty in order to eat. Th.*t postmortem examination re- l.vS DISl'ASKS OF POri.TKV. Fip-. 30.— Urinarv and reproductive orpans of the hen; a, ovary; />, infundibular portion of oviduct: r, portion of oviduct which secretes the aUiumeii; <', uti-rus or shell-forniinp portion; d, intestine; , /', epidid v mis; (, /■. vas deferens: cA cloaca: ii" bursa of AESC1-:SS 0\' Til]-; KID- Fabricius; £•', t-', papillne throug-h which the vas deferens open; y, marg-in of NEVS. anifi. A case of this disease was observed by Megnin in a small cage bird. The kidney was found to contain a yellow nodule formed b}' dried pus. No other sign of disease was discover- ed. The bird had been ill for a month but coutin- 140 DISKASES OF POULTRY. ucd lo cat. No information could be obtained as to the cause of the disorder. t)B.'5TRl'CTION OF CLOACA HV IKINAKV C( )NC K I;T IONS . Numerous instances have l)een reported of partial or comjilete obstruction of the cloaca by the drying and hardeniii!^ of urinary accumulations. This con- dition is more or less frequent with pigeons, pheasants and fowls. The concretions are usually composed of uric acid or urate of ammonia, Init a true calculus made u]) of the carbonates of lime and magnesia, phos- phate of lime and mucus has been found in the kidneys of a fowl. The concretions in the cloaca are usually associated with improper rations, containing too much of the nitrogenous constituents. The feeding should be cor- rected, animal food reduced, and a cooling non -stimu- lating ration substituted. The contents of the cloaca should be carefully softened with warm water and re- moved. A small quantity of oil injected daily for a week will prevent further accumulations and permit any local irritation to subside. No other treatment is required. THF: MALE ORGANS OF REPRODUCTION. The male organs of reproduction in fowls consist of two testicles situated in the abdominal cavity, just be- low the anterior parts of the kidneys, and of two ducts called the vas deferens which conduct the secretion of the testes to the cloaca. It will be observed that the cloaca is the common outlet for the faeces, the urine and the seminal fluid. Each vas deferens o])ens through a conical papilla in the posterior wall of the cloaca. The papillae are surrounded by a remark- able plexus of arteries and veins, producing erectile tissue, which makes it possible to bring the seminal DISEASES OK POULTRY. 141 1. January. 2. ISIiddle of February. 3. Heyinning- of March. 4. Latter end of March. liquid ill contnct with the everted orifice of the ovi- duct of the leinale. In .some waterfowls which cojni- late ill water, provision is made for a more ef^cient coitus ])y the development of a long intromittent org-an from the highly vascular wall of the cloaca. This is seen particularly in the drake. In the passive state this organ is coiled up like a screw by the elas - ticity of associated liga- mentous structures. hvpI';ktkophv or en- l.\rg]-:mext ok the testicles. The testicles of birds vary greatly in size ac- cording to the season of the 3'ear at which they are observed. In winter they are very small with a comparatively insignifi- cant blood supply, but in spring, as the breeding se.ison comes on, they en - , , ^ , . Kiy. 32. — Testes of the House-spar- large to five or ten times n.w. the weight during the winter, the vessels are distended with blood and the height of functional activity is reached. The an- nexed drawing showing the enlargement of these or- gans in the hou.se sparrow from January to April, serves as an illustration of this j^rocess. While the enlargement just described is strictly phy- siological, it is frequenth' exaggerated from various conditions and then becomes a disease. Megnin has 5. Middle of April. 142 1)Isi:asi-s of pck-ltky. observed cases where one of these organs was nearly fifty times its normal weight; and it is not uncommon to find them two inches in length and nearly as broad. Symptoms. — Diseases of this character are not easily recognized during the life of the affected bird. As, however, tlie condition is generally accompanied b^' some tenderness and pain, there is uneasiness, a ten- dency to sit down or crouch, or, as Hill puts it, sink- ing down and rising again, with inclination to remain quiet. Such symptoms occurring during the spring or early summer should lead to the suspicion that the bird is affected with the disease under consideration. Tre.\tmkxt. — Give cooling food with consideralile green material in it. Do not allow meat or condition powder of any kind. Keep the affected bird bj' itself where it will remain quiet. Give tincture of aconite root ^4 drop to 1 drop, ac- cording to size of bird, three times a day. It is, also, well to give Epsom salts sufficient to obtain free move- ment of the bowels, about a teaspoonful for an ordi- nary sized bird. Some recommend iodide of potassium 3 grains twice daily in a pill or dissolved in a little water. CANCKR> OF THE THSTICLKS — FATTY DEGENERATION. Cases are recorded showing that cancer of the testi- cles and fatty degeneration of these organs are both common with birds. These conditions, however, can not be determined until after the death of the bird and treatment is for that reason out of the question. The di.seases mentioned while of scientific interest need not he given detailed consideration in this volume. THE FEMALE ORGANS OF REPRODUCTION. In birds, the female organs of reproduction consist of a single ovary and a single oviduct. During the DISEASES or Pon.TKV. 143 FifT. 33. — R pr.nl iiLlive or^rans of the lien; a, ovary; ^, oviduct; <. infun- dibular portion of oviduct; d, depression correspondintr to airophicd ripht oviduct; <•, openine of left oviduct;/, oviduct laid open t.i show i-L'tr surrounded with first lavers of albumen; ^, uterusopened to show eL'g- with shell fi-rmintr upon it; //, cloaca; X-, rectum; /.upper portion of anus; at. 111, opcuiii-rs of ureters. 1 \-\ i)Isi:asi-:s of pori.TKV. early stages of development of the chick the two ova- ries are of equal size, but soon the developmental forces appear to concentrate in the left ovary while the right one remains stationarj- and ultimately disappears in most birds. The single ovary is develo])ed to a re- markable degree. It is situated near the left kidney and approaches the median lijie. The external ap- pearance is that of a granular or nodular body attached to the spinal column by a fold of peritoneum. The nodules are irregular in size, some small and whitish, others larger and of a yellowish color. The enlargement of the ovum is due to the accumu- lation of the yellow or food yolk, and this causes dis- tension of the ovarian capsule or ca/yx that encloses the ovum. As the ovum enlarges its capsule becomes more and more separated from the remainder of the ovary until it is seen to be attached only by a narrow base or pedicle. The calyx consists of two membranes united by connective tissue and blood vessels. The vessels converge towards a white transverse line or band which crosses the most prominent part of the calyx. At this line the vessels become so minute as to apparently disappear entirely. This band, called tb.e stifi;ma, begins to appear when the ova are well devel- oped and the line liecomes broader and the membranes thinner as the ovum increases in size, until at the proper time the walls of the calyx give way along this line and the egg slijis out of its capsule and jiasses into the infundibular opening of the oviduct. The empty calyx collapses, rapidly shrinks and is ultimately ab- sorbed . The ovum as it enters the oviduct consists of a vitclliis or yolk enclosed in a very thin vitelline viem- brane. Impregnation or fertilization occurs in the DISEASKS OF POULTRY. 145 Fig-. 34. Fig. 35. Figr. 36. Fig-. 34. — Egg from upper part of oviduct with coating of dense albumen called raembrana chalazifera continued into the chala'Zie. Fig. 35. — Out- stretched chalaz.e from opposite sides of the _volk showing opposite turns of the spiral. Fig. 3() — Egg from above middle of oviduct with tirst la.vers of soft albumen. upper portion of the oviduct and soon after the egg escapes from the ovary. Having entered the oviduct the ovum is propelled with a rotary motion bj' the peristaltic contractions of that tube, towards tlie cloaca. The contact of the ovum stimulates the lin- ing membrane of the oviduct to secrete first a dense laj-er of albumen which is deposited upon the vitelline membrane and is continued thread -like from each pole. These threads or filaments are the chalazce and the dense layer of albumen with which they are connected is the mcvibraua chalazifera. As the egg rotates in the oviduct the chalazce become twisted in opposite directions, and the one next the small end of the egg finally adheres more or less to the membrane lining the shell at that jioint. 146 PISKASl-S OK I'Ori.TRV The e<^g advaucc-s into the more glandular and vas- cular part of the oviduct and here two otlier layers of albumen are secreted and deposited upon it. Each of these is thinner and more watery than the one which preceded. When the narrow part of tl:e oviduct is reached, two denser layers of albumen are excreted forming the mcmbrana piilaininis. Enclosed in this manner, having acquired its ovate form and with the Fig-. 37.— Section of fowl's eg-g-; «, shell:/', tnenibrana putaminis; i\r^ laversof soft albumen; ./. clialaziv; <-, cicatricula and },'erniinal vesicle;/, air chamber. The oulliiie liirure shows the yolk made up of layers ue- posited successively, <', cicatricula, b, g-erniinal vesicle. small end towards the cloaca, the ^z% enters the uter- ine or shell -forming dilatation. The inner surface of this portion of the oviduct secretes and deposits upon the vievibrana putaminis a thick white fluid which condenses, becomes calcareous and forms the shell. The time required for the ^gg to pass from the infundibulum to the uterus, in the common fowl, is said to be from four to six hours, and it may remain here from twelve to twenty liours. The color of the eg^g- shell depends upon j^igmental matter secreted by particular follicles of tl:e villous niSKASKS OF POl-I.TkV. 147 membrane of the uterus. The appearance of pores on the surface of the shell is due to the impressions of the villi of the formative membrane; but the permea- bility of the shell by the atmosphere depends upon a more minutely porous texture. The shell consists ingreat partof carbonate of lime, with a littlecarbonateof mag- nesia and phosphate of lime and magnesia (Owen). The oviduct is a whitish tube somewhat larger than the large intestine and shows many branching blood vessels upon its surface. It begins near the ovary by an enlarged portion called the infundilnilum, and after being bent upon itself several times and forming three principal convolutions, it reaches the cloaca in which it opens. In the non -breeding season, when the parts are in repose, the ovary and oviduct are re- duced in size and almost disappear. ATROPHY OF THE OVARY. The ovaries, like the testicles of the male, are great- ly' reduced in size and atrophied during the non -breed- ing season. This, however, is a physiological atrophy and not a disease. In the same manner, the ovaries become atrophied in old hens which have ceased laj^- ing. This is sometimes, but not always, accompan- ied by remarkable changes in other parts of the body. The spurs develop, the feathers become longer and more brilliant, reseml^ling those of the cock, or usual- ly approaching more closely to the plumage of the capon. Such birds, also, assume to a certain extent the voice and habits of the male. The complete atrophj- of the ovaries is sometimes congenital, or, more strictly speaking, these organs fail to develop. In other cases, rudimeutar}^ organs of both sexes are found in the same individual. Birds in w'nich this condition exists, also, have a resem- 148 DISK ASKS OK POri.TKV. blance in plumage, voice, spurs, habits, etc., to ca- pons, and should l)e fattened and killed for the ta])le, as they are of no value for other purposes. TUMORS OK THK OV.\KV. There are frequently found tumors of consideral)le size in connection with the ovary. A common variety is composed of the yolks of eggs which have matured but which have failed to enter the oviduct. These tumors are yellow in color, and are made up of concentric laj-ers in which the j'olk can be recognized, as it has somewhat the appearance seen in a cooked egf:;. Megnin records a case in which this trouble appeared to be hereditary- , as all the hens belonging to a particular strain were affected. In rare instances, the development of the ovum is abnormal, and instead of a mature yolk resulting, the calyx is found to contain only a thin liquid, and the ovary thus becomes transformed into a mass of cystic tumors suspended upon long pedicles. Cancerous tu- mors of the ovary have also been observed. Treatment is, of course, impossible in these cases as the nature of the disease is not determined until after the bird's death. If such abnormal conditions are frequently found, it is an indication that there is a predisposition in that direction in the strain of birds. The only way to correct this is to kill off the flock and obtain different blood. GANGRKNE OK THE OVARY. This disease is quite common with all varieties of poultry. On examination of the ovary after death, the ova are found in different stages of develoi^ment, but instead of ])eing 3'ellowish-pink in color, with the blood vessels well defined, they are brown or black, easily crushed and the contents broken down into a DISKASKS OF POULTRY. 149 putrid liquid. Death is caused partly by peritonitis and partly h}- the absorption of the products of de- •coni])osition. The cau.se of this trouble is not well understood. It has been attributed to the birds being too fat, thus compressing the ovary and hindering the evolution of the ova. As it may occur in birds which are not fat, anil as it is evidently accompanied by the penetration and multiplication of bacteria, it is possibly an in- fectious disease. INFL.VMMATION OF THK OVIDUCT. The oviduct, being a highly vascular tube, with great functional activity during the laying season, and subject to injuries of various kinds, is frequently af- fected with inflammation. Causation. — Congestion and inflammation may result from irritation due to too frequent laying, from the eggs being too large, from too stimulating food or condiments, from the breaking of an egg within this tube after the shell has been formed upon it, and from obstruction of the cloaca. Symptoms. — The bird at first shows indications of a desire to lay without being able to produce eggs, or it may lay eggs containing more or less blood, or eggs without shells, or small and misshapen eggs contain- ing albumen but no yolk, or, finally, the yolk may be dropped without any covering of albumen or shell. As the inflammation increases there is high tempera- ture, straining, and an effort to rub the abdomen upon the ground. In the later stages, the bird becomes dull, indisposed to move, the comb is pale, the plum- age rough and the temperature falls to normal or be- low. Tkkatmknt. — This disease to be treated success - 150 DISEASKS or POULTRY. fully must be taken in hand early. Give green and cooling food, avoid meat, condition powders, pepper or other irritating ingredients. Keep tlie bird quiet and administer Kpsom salts 20 grains, bicarbonate of soda 2 grains. Follow this with one -half drop tinc- ture of aconite root three times a day. PROLAPSUS OR EVERSION OF THK OVIDUCT. Prolapsus of the oviduct is quite frequently observ- ed particularly in old hens whicn have been great la}'- ers. Over-feeding, too stimulating food, constipation and straining to expel large eggs are direct causes. It may, also, occur as the result of inflammation of the oviduct, or from any condition which prevents the passage of the eggs. Sv.AiPTOMS. — Prolai^sus often occurs from efforts to expel an egg which has become arrested in the lower part of the oviduct and is then first seen as the hen leaves the nest. It may be either complete at first, or only partial. In the latter case a tumor ma}^ be no- ticed as just visible within the cloaca. After a few hours or a day, the eversion continues and a large dark -red or violet -colored mass protrudes from the vent. In- flammation becomes intense in the part exposed to the air, gangrene may set in, and death occurs from purulent absorption or septicaemia. Treatment. — As soon as symptoms of prolapsus are seen, catch the bird and examine i'c carefully to determine if an egg has been arrested in the passage. If the swelling is soft, with no signs of the presence of an egg, apply carbolized oil or lard and return the part by gentle pressure. After this is accomplished, treat the bird as for inflammation of the oviduct, giving as additional treatment 3 to 5 drops fluid extract of ergot to cause contraction of the oviduct and keep it in posi- DISKASrS Ol- Pori.TRY. 151 tion. If an egg is found within the swelling treat as recommended for ol)struction of the oviduct. In all cases of prolapsus, the oviduct if soiled WMth adhering manure or dirt should be washed clean with warm water before it is replaced. Keep the bird in a small coop where it will be quiet until it has recovered. DIFFICULT LAYING, KGG BOUXn, OBSTRUCTION OK THK OVIDUCT. Laying may become difficult because of irritation of the lower part of the oviduct arresting the secretion of mucus and causing the mucous membrane to ]:)ecome dry and lacking in its normal lubrication. The same trouble results from birds being too fat or from the eggs being too large, and is aggravated b}' constipa- tion. If the cause is sufhciently pronounced in its ac- tion, the affected bird may be unable to expel the egg ; this is arrested in the passage where it sets up inflamma - tion and leads to straining and possibly to prolapsus of the oviduct. Symptoms. — When fowls are e^g bound the\' at first go frequently to the nest, making efforts to lay but are unable to accomplish this function. They are restless and evidentl}' in more or less distress. Later they become dull, with rough plumage and are indis- posed to move. On examining the bird by pressure of the finger about the vent, the es^g can be distin- guished as a hard body in the posterior part of the abdominal cavity. In case of prolapsus, the everted oviduct may be easily seen. Treatment. — In the early stages when the irrita- tion is slight, it is sufficient to inject a small quantity of olive oil and gently manipulate the parts. After- wards, give cooling food, and, if hens are too fat, re- duce the ration. In case the expulsion of the egg can \52 DISEASES OE POULTRY. not l)e oljlaiueU \>y Uic injection of oil, immerse the vent and lower part of the bodj- in water, as warm as can be used without injury, and hold it there half an l:our or more until the ])arts are relaxed. Then inject oil and endeavor to assist the bird by careful pressure and manipulation, or by dilation of the passage. Fluid extract of ergot is useful in these cases and may be given in five -drop doses three times a day. In some cases it is necessary to puncture the egg, allow the contents to escape, crush the shell and remove it in pieces. GANGRENE OF THE OVIDUCT. If an e°:;g which has l)een arrested in the oviduct can not be expelled, the inflammation which it pro- duces becomes more and more intense until it causes the death of the tissue. When the flesh dies it at once begins to decompose and putrify, and this condition is known as gangrene. The gangrenous walls of the oviduct are easily torn and the egg may then escape into the abdominal cavity. No treatment is of use in such a case as peritonitis and septic infection occur and lead to death in a comparatively short time. RUPTURE OF THE OVIDUCT. The walls of the oviduct are sometimes torn or rup - tured in the absence of inflammation or gangrene, and simply as the result of vigorous contractions in the efforts to expel an abnormally large egg. A fissure thus formed permits the escape of the egg into the ab- dominal cavity. This accident may be suspected by the suspension of laying and the enlargement of the abdomen. By pressure of the finger one or more eggs may be located in the lower part of the abdomen. As treatment is unavailing, the better plan is to destroy the bird as soon as the condition is recognized. DISEASES OF POULTRY. 153 CEOAciTis, viCNT gli-;i<:t. Fowls are sometimes affected with a contagious catarrh of the cloaca, which is transmitted from bird to bird daring the act of copulation. The inflammation is usually confined to the cloaca, but in severe cases may extend to the mucous meml)rane of the lower part of the oviduct, or even to that of the rectum. Sv-MPTOMS. — The first symptom observed is the frequent passage of excrement which is voided in small cpiantities almost as rapidly as it reaches the cloaca. Often the bird endeavors to drop excrement when the cloaca is entirely empty. This action is due to the tenderness and irritability of the cloaca which gives to the bird the sensation of fullness, and produces spas- modic contractions. If an examination is made the mucous membrane is found in the early stages to be red, dry, swollen and hot. In a day or two a discharge makes its appearance. It is, at first, thin and watery, but soon becomes white, purulent, and offensive. This discharge collects upon the skin and feathers about the vent, obstructs the passage and irritates the parts with which it comes in contact. The soiled skin becomes red and inflamed, it may be abraded by friction or by the bird picking at it, and thus sores or ulcers are started which may become quite troublesome. Treatment. — First reduce the inflammation and clean the parts by holding the lower part of the bird's body, including the vent, in a pan or l)ucket of warm watef, in which has been dissolved a tablespoonful of bicarbonate of soda to each quart of water. The water should be as warm as can be comfortably borne by the hand and the application should be continued for one -half to three-quarters of an hour and should be repeated daily while the inflammation is at its height. 154 DISEASES OF POULTRY. After the bird is removed from the water, it should be dried off with a cloth and a tablespoonful of the follow- ing mixture injected into the cloaca : Water 6 ounces, glycerine 2 ounces, morphia sulphate 1 grain, boric acid 1 j/2 drams. A pledget of cotton may be saturated with this mixture and ])laced in the cloaca two or three times a day, allowing it to remain until expelled by the bird. If the discharge is very offensive a solution of per- manganate of potash one grain to the ounce of water may be used as an injection, or, if more convenient, a solution of peroxide of hydrogen. Should the rem- edies just mentioned fail to give satisfactory results, try a solution of carbolic acid of the strength of one per cent. After the inflammation has subsided, if the discharge continues, an astringent solution may afford relief. For this purpose acetate of lead 4 grains to the ounce of water is suitable; or, in obstinate cases ace- tate of lead 3 grains, sulphate of zinc 3 grains, water one ounce. The sores and ulcers which form around the vent should be kept dusted with iodoform or aristol. ANOMALIES IN EGG PRODUCTION. Kggs are not always laid in a perfect condition. They may l)e deformed, modified in composition, or may contain foreign bodies. These changes depend upon .he condition of the ovary and oviduct during the pe- riod the e^g is develoi)ing. Some abnormal eggs have excited much wonder and discussion, but, if the man- ner in which the egg is formed is borne in mind there is little difficulty in making a satisfactory explana- tion. EGG INCUBATED IN THE OVIDUCT. It has been shown that the egg normally remains in the uterus or shell -forming portion of the oviduct from twelve to twenty hours, also, that it may become DISKASHS OF POULTRY. 155 lo-uged at this point and be held there for an indefinite time. As the temperature of the bird's body is that most suital)le for inculcation and for the develojjment of the embryo, it is plain that a fertile egg arrested in the oviduct must soon undergo important changes. For this reason some eggs have the odor and taste that are familiar in connection with stale eggs, al- though they are newly lain. In rare cases, the egg may be arrested a sufHcient time to allow the embryo to become more or less developed. Megnin states that he removed an egg from a fowl, in making a pos/- morfem examination, which contained an embryo upon which the skin and feathers were already formed. Fortunately for the reputation of the egg -producer, such cases seldom occur, and it is doubtful if the hen would succeed unaided in laying an egg which had been retained long enough to allow the embr^-o to develop. Some stale eggs may, however, l)e account- ed for by prolonged retention in the oviduct. PARASITES IN EGGS. As the egg traverses the greater part of the oviduct, and receives in that tube several layers of albumen be- fore the shell is formed, it is not difficult to under- stand how any parasites which gain entrance to the oviduct may be caught in the albumen and imprisoned within the shell. The lower part of the oviduct has a free opening into the cloaca for the pa.ssage of the egg, and it is not surprising that parasites occasionally find their way along this channel. The parasite most fre- quently found in the egg is the Ccplialogonhmis ovatus (Distoma ovatum), a small fluke which has its habitat in the bursa of Fabricius. More rarely, the common round worm known as the Hctcrakis perspicillum ( Hcterakis inflexa, Ascaris inflcxa) is observed. These two worms evidently pass into the oviduct from 156 DISK ASKS OF POULTRY. the cloaca. Various fungi and bacteria are also found in eggs. Among these may be mentioned the chicken cholera bacillus, and probably the bacilli of fowl di])h - theria and avian tuberculosis. These facts need not influence any one to avoid eggs as an article of diet, since all of these parasites are destroyed by a com- paratively low temperature and cooking would remove any danger that might possibly exist. The presence of certain micro-organisms in eggs leads to early de- composition. It is important, for the production of good eggs, that cleanliness and sanitary conditions be enforced in every poultry -yard. SANGUINKOUS KGGS. Occasionally small bloodclots are found in eggs, usually in the albumen. These result from a .slight hemorrhage which has generally occurred in the upper two -thirds of the oviduct. In rare cases the hemor- rhage may have taken place in the ovary and then the l)lood will be found either upon the surface of or within the yolk. Such hemorrhages are the result of great functional activity and congestion of the blood vessels of the reproductive organs. They are excited by any of the cau.ses which lead to congestion and inflamma- tion and are to be counteracted by green feed, less ani- mal food, and suppression of condiments. In special cases medium doses of perchloride of iron or ergot may be found useful. KGGS WITHOUT SHKLLS. The production of eggs without shells, or the so -call- ed soft -shell eggs, may be due either to a lack of shell - making material or to inflammation of the shell -form- ing chamber of the oviduct which no longer secretes calcareous matter. It is, also, said that fright may cause the premature ex])ulsion of an egg before the DISEASES OF POULTRY. 157 shell has ])eeii deposited. Eggs without shells are more difficult to lay than are those which are perfect, and, hence, they are frequently retained a considerable time in the uterus, adding to the irritation and inflam- mation. As treatment in these cases, it is sufficient to remove the cause. Give the fowls plenty of shell - forming material such as wheat bran, crushed egg shells, cut or calcined bone, broken mortar, crushed oyster shells, etc. Give green food and avoid the causes of inflammation of the oviduct. EGGS WITH TWO YOLKS. Eggs are frequently found in which there are two j^olks, and these are popularly known as double - yolk eggs. They are the result of two ovarian cap- sules becoming ruptured at about the same time, and the yolks descending the oviduct so near together that both are included in the same shell. Eggs with two yolks are generally larger than others, and there is more danger that they will cause injury to the oviduct. Some hens are habitual layers of such eggs. If incu- bated, double -yolk eggs generally produce twins, double chicks, or monsters. All such abnormalities are not developed from these eggs, however, as it has been shown by Davaine that a single yolk may contain two germs and give birth to two embryos united in some part of the body. INCOMPLETE OR ABORTED EGGS. It is common for hens to drop eggs of only half or a third the diameter of those usually produced. These diminutive productions, often about the size of a pigeon's egg, are provided with a shell sometimes more dense than that of the normal egg. On examination they are found to contain albumen ])ut no yolk. In some cases they contain little l)Ul the albumenous 15s DISKASKS OF POULTKY. membranes twisted so ti.uhtly that they have been taken for worms. The production of these incomplete eggs is an evi- dence of irritation in the central portion of the oviduct. It shows that the albumen is secreted without the normal stimulous that is given by the presence of a yolk, and passing down the tube to the uterus is there covered with a shell. The hen laying such eggs should be removed from the flock, kept quiet and treated as recommended for inflammation of the ovi - duct. KGGS WITHIN KGGS. This anomaly, which has been a matter of record for something like two hundred yearn, is closely re- lated to the one just considered, and is of not unfre- quent occurrence. The inclosed egg is a small one, with a shell and contains only albumen. Its produc- tion is easily explained. On account of irritation of the central portion of the oviduct, albumen is secreted without the presence of a yolk; this albumen is press- ed by the contractions of the tube downwards to the uterus where a shell is deposited upon it. In the ef- fort to expel this small egg irregular contractions are induced which force it upwards for a certain distance where it meets a yolk surrounded wath albumen, or a second mass of albumen without a yolk, becomes im- bedded in this soft albumen and a membrane and shell are formed around the whole. The compound egg thus formed is usually of normal size. These abnormalities which have excited much wonder in persons ignorant of the physiology of egg production, are in reality very easily understood, and the experienced poultry man will draw the conclusion from their frequent repetition tha.his flock isbeingforced beyond the limit of safety. DISEASES OF POULTRY. 159 CHAPTICR VII. Dis]:asi:s of thI'; Bkain. Cl-:KF.BK.\t. HYPKK^KMI.\, CONGESTION OF THE BKAIN, VERTK.O- HHMOKKHAGE OF THE BKAIN, APOPLEXY — EPILEPSY. C]:kki;kal nYPKK>i<:Mi.\, congI'STiox of thf: hrain, VKRTIGO. y^% OXGESTION of the brain i.s a disease quite i \ frequently seen with poultry. It may occur ^^ik in fat and plethoric birds by fright or indiges- tion. It is frequently associated with irrita- tion of the intestines by parasitic worms. It is seen particular!}' in male birds during the breeding season and in chickens exposed to the liot rays of the sun. It may, also, occur as the result of blows upon the head and as a complication with infectious diseases such as cholera. The syvtptovis are giddiness which leads the bird to throw its head upwards and backwards or to bend the neck to one side. The gait is staggering and uncer- tain, the bird walking backwards, sidewise or in a cir- t le. Sometimes irregular and unusual movements are made, or the bird falls to the ground fluttering and making convulsive movements with the legs, or may lie for some miiiutes powerless to move. In some cases there are epileptiform spasms which may often be stopped by a touch, in other cases there is great stupefaction and drowsiness. 160 DISKASF.S or POl'LTRY. As treafmoit apply cold water or ice to the head and hold it in position until the head is thoroughly cooled. Give internally 30 grains of Epsom salts, or one and one -half grains of calomel, or two teaspoonfuls of castor oil. Keep the affected bird in a quiet, cool, and shady place. If there is not entire recovery under this treatment, try bromide of potassium one to five grains three times a da}' dissolved in a tablespoonful of water. In case of intestinal parasites endeavor to dislodge these with appropriate remedies. HHISIOKKHAC'.K OF THE BK.MN, APOPLKXY. Apoplexy is the result of a rupture of one of the blood vessels of the brain and pressure from the escaped blood. Such accidents are attributed to stimulating food, to overfeeding and mechanical injur- ies, to violent exertion and to straining in laying eggs (hens being sometimes found dead on the nest from this cause). There are no premonitory symptoms in this disease. The bird is attacked suddenly, falls nearly or quite in- sensible, or dies upon the nest. In most cases, treatment is impossible as the bird dies before it can be administered. In mild attacks the treatment should be the same as recommended for congestion of the brain. As preventive measures, regulate the rations and give plenty of exercise. EPILEPSY. Epilepsy is a disea.se characterized by convulsive attacks with loss of consciousness, which occur from time to time and are popularly known as fits. It is sometimes caused by pressure upon the brain (tumors ) , sometimes by intestinal parasites, and often no ap- parent cause can be discovered. When attacked the bird falls to the ground, the legs DISlvASKS OF POULTRY. 161 and wings are moved convulsively, it ma^'lie upon the back or abdomen, with the legs spread, the head thrown back, the bill and eyelids opening and closing alternately, and the eyel^all turned backwards. After a time, the attack subsides and the bird resumes its usual appearance. Treatment is not very successful unless it is found that the trouble is due to intestinal worms. Other- wise, unless the bird is very valuable for show pur- poses, it is better that it should be destroyed when the symptoms of epilepsy are first observed. Some re- commend bromide of potash 3 to 5 grains two or three times a day. 162 IHSKASKS OF POri.TkV ciiapti-:r viit. I)is];asi-:s oi- thI': Heart and Blood \'kss):ls. I'KKICAKUrriS. INM.AMMATIOX OH THK PP:KICAK DITM, DKOPSV OF THK HKAKT SAC — ENDOCAKDITIS, IXFI.AMMATIOX OI- THE INTEKXAI. MEMBKAXE OK THE HEART — HVI'EK- TKOPHY OF THE HEART — RUPTURE OF THE HEART AXl) LARGE BLOOD VESSELS. pp:KiCAKDi'ri.s, ini-lammation of th]-: pickicar- DHM, DKOPSV OF THK HEART SAC. /^^^HIS disease is quite common with poultr}', and i \ is often found associated with inflammation ^^If of the linino: membrane of the heart, with en- largement of the heart, with inflammation of the lungs and air sacs, and with soreness of the joints. Cadeac and Megnin are of the opinion on account of the coexistence of these different troubles that the peri- carditis of birds is often of a rheumatic nature. Symptoms. — There is great weakness, difficult breathing, the head being thrown backwards, and the breath drawn through the mouth in order to obtain sufficient air. If forced to run the bird soon falls. In a case observed by Hill there was tumultuous ac- tion of the heart and occasional spasms. Examination after death shows the pericardium or heart sac distended with a considerable quantity of liquid which has been thrown out as a consequence of the inflammation. There are, also, in many cases DisKASKs oi' pori/rkv. 163 thick false membranes adherent to both the heart and pericardium and sometimes uniting the two. Treatment. — The disease is usually not recogniz- ed in a bird until it is examined after death. If there are repeated cases in the same flock it is an indication of exposure to sudden changes of temperature, or to extreme cold and dampness, and these conditions should be removed. Give two to four grains of bi- carbonate of soda to each bird daily in the drinking water. ENDOCARDITIS, INI'LAM M ATION OP THE INTERNAL MEMBRANE OF THE HEART. The delicate membrane lining the interior of the auricles and ventricles is subject to inflammation as well as the pericardium, but much less frequently. The symptoms are not to l)e distinguished in fowls from those of pericarditis. On examination after death the internal surface of the heart is found redden- ed and deposits of coagulated lymph adhering to it. What has l)een said as to the cause and treatment of pericarditis in fowls applies equally to this disease. HVPEKTROPHY OF THE HEART. Hypertrophy or enlargement of the heart has been sometimes seen in fowls and particularly in pigeons. It appears to be partly due to the great timidity of pigeons with which the least fright is sufficient to cause palpitations. Symptoms. — The symptoms of hypertrophy are violent beating of the heart which is sometimes so extreme as to cause rupture of blood vessels and the escape of blood from several points on the body at the same time. Hyi)ertrophy affects most frequently the walls and valves of the right side of the heart (Cadeac). 164 DISEASES OF POUI.TKV. KUPTUKH CK TIIK HICAKT AND I.AKC.K BLOOD VHS- SI'.LS. Rupture of the heart or large vessels accompanied by fatal hemorrhage appears to be quite common with birds. The cause is over exertion in trying to escape when being chased, or it may be due .to compression of small birds in the hands, or to other injuries. It is most common in full blooded or plethoric individuals. Cadeac has noted its occurrence twice with birds af- fected with diphtheria. This accident results in speedy death, and can neither be foreseen nor treated. Megnin recommends that parrots, on account of being predisposed to this trouble, should constantly be given, for drink, water which has been made alkaline with bicarbonate of soda. DISEASES OF POULTRY. 165 CHAPTER IX. Parasites and Diseases of the Skin. THE EPIZOA OR PAKA.SITES LIVING UPON THp: EXTERNAL .SUR- EACE OF THE BODY — .SCABIES OR MANGE OF THE BODY — SCABIES C.A.USED BY EPIDERMOPTES— SC.\BIES CAUSED BY SARCOPTES, DEPLUMING SCABIES — F.WUS^CHICKEN POX, SORE HEAD, PIGEON POX. © THE EPIZOA OR PARASITES LIVING UPON THE EX- TERNAL SURF.\CE OP THE BODY. I' R domesticated ])irds are liable to be infested with a considerable number of species of ex- ternal parasites. These parasites living upon the surface of the body are grouped as epizoa. Space will not permit a detailed description of the various species, but the following list gives the scien- tific name, the popular name, when possible, and the kind of bird infested : Group I. epi/.oa which suck blood or gnaw the flesh. Pule X avium. The bird flea. Fowls, pij^eons, and luany other birds. Acanthia columbaria. Dove-cote buLj. Fowls and pig-eons. Dermcsies lavdarius 1 L,arva; 1 Tencbriomolitor j^ ^j ', Youu- pi-eons. Nfcvophorus I Various | Coieoptera i Silp/ia ^ species, j J Aygas reflexus. Pigeon tick. Pigeons. Lcplus autumnalis. Harvest bug. Fowls. Dermauyssus gallincr. Red mite. Poultry, pigeons, and house birds. 166 DISEASES OF POULTRY. CIroup II. EPizoA wmcii CAV'Si: scahiks ok mant.e. Epidcrnwptes bi/urcatiis. Fowls. Kpidermoptcs bilobattis. Fowls. Sarcoples Icrvis, var. gallincc. Scab mite. Fowls. Sarcoptes Icevis, var. colnmbcr. Scab mite. Pigeons. Sarcoptes miilans. L/eg scabies mite. Fowls, Guinea fowls, turkeys, atid cage birds. Group hi. kpizoa which i.ivr in thk coxxkctivk tissue ok air sacs. Cvfodites 7iudits. Air sac mite. Fowls. Harpir/iynchus nidulayis. Connective tissue mite. Pigeons. Laininosioptes cysticola. Connective tissue mite. Fowls. Falciger rostratus. Pigeons. Group iv. epizoa which live upox or within the feathers, or upon the skin, some beino inof- fensive while others injurh the plumage or cause itchinc;. Goniodes dissimilis. Louse. Fowls. Goniodes stylifer. L/Ouse. Guinea fowls and turkeys. Goniodes falcicornis Louse. Peacocks. Goniodes minor. Louse. Pigeons. Goniodes iiniiiidianus. Louse. Guinea fowls. Goniodes parviccps. Louse. Peacocks. Goniocotes gigas. Louse. Fowls. Goniocotes hologasfer. Louse. Fowls. Goniocotes redangulatiis. Louse. Guinea fowls and peacocks. Lipeurus anatis. Louse. Ducks. Lipeiirus anseris. Louse. Geese. Lipeurus caponis. Louse. Fowls and Guinea fovrls. Lipeurus columbcB. Louse. Pigeons. Lipeurus crassicornis. Louse. Geese. Lipeurus heterographus. Louse. Fowls. Lipeurus numidce. Louse. Guinea fowls. Lipeurus meleagridis. Louse. Turkeys. Menopon biseriatum. Louse. Fowls and Turkeys. Menopon latum. Louse. Pigeons. Menopon numidcB. Louse. Guinea fowls. Menopon pallidum. Louse. Fowls. i)isi':.\.si"s oi" pori.TKv. 167 Mfiiopoii plurosto)intm. Ljoiisc. Peacocks. Doiop/iorus icf erodes. Louse. Ducks aiul yeese. Tritiolon arise/ is. L,ou.se. Geese. Trinoton confiniiiDii. Tvouse. Geese. Trinofon ItiriJinii. Louse. Ducks. Trinoton li/iira/imi. Louse. Geese. Colpocep/ialnin titrbinatuin. Louse. Pig-eons. Cheylciiella hetcropalpa. Mite. Pig-eons. Syrino^opJiilus bipcctinatns. Mite. Fowls, (ruiiiea fowls and pij,'-eons. Syringophilus uticinatiis. Mite. Peacocks. DermoglypliHS elouffatus. Mite. Ft)wls and (Guinea fo-,vls. Dcnnoglyphus minor. Mite. Fowls and (ruinca fowls. jycrmoglyphiis varians. Mite. Guinea fowls. Freyana anatina. Mite. Ducks. Freyatia chanayi. Mite. Turkeys. Megninia asternalis. Mite. Fowls and Pii^'-eons. Megninia cubitalis. Mite. Fowls. Megninia ginglymura. Mite. Turkeys. Megninia vela/a. Mite. Ducks. Plerolichiis obfuses. Mite. Fowls. Pterolichus uncinatus. Mite. Turkeys. Ptcrophagus sirictus. Mite. Pigeons. Generai, Considerations. — We have grouped lo.gether, as epi/.oa which .suck blood or gnaw the flesh, a number of parasites which produce somewhat similar effects, althoug-Ji, zoologically si)eakiiig, these pests differ \^xy widely. They resemble each other in that they do not remain constantly upon the birds, most of the varieties hiding about the roosts or houses during the day, and coming out of their concealment to make their attacks Ijy night. They puncture the skin, and suck blood for their nourishment. The coleopterous larvoe gnaw the skin, and even the super- ficial muscles of the neck and abdomen of young pig- eons, producing serious wounds and often causing death. 16S DISKASKS or POULTRY. The Ijird Ika is most comnioiily found lormt'iiling^ pigeons and more rarely attacks fowls. The dove- cote bug closely resembles tlie ordinary bedbug, and is thought l)y some to be identical with it. When the i)igeon and poultry -houses l)ecome infested with this insect, it muUi])lies rapidly and is extremely pernicious in its effects. The tick also lives in the ]:)igeon -cotes, and hides during the day in the cracks and holes, coming out at night to attack the birds. Young pigeons are the preferred victims, and so much blood is taken from tliem that thej^ die of exhaustion in from ten to fifteen days. The older birds are driven from their nests when sitting, and altogether it may l)e said that pigeon raising becomes difficult or impossible while these pests are allowed to remain. They are found most frequently on the neck orl)e- neath tl:e breast, but maj^ fasten themselves to the skin of any part of the 1)ody. The mature females are about one -fourth incli in length. These parasites may wander a consideral^le distance, and are some- times found in adjacent fowl -houses, and even in dwelling-houses. They are said not to trouble fowls, Init as they sometimes bite children or even grown peo])le causing painful swellings, it would not be suri)rising if it were found that they occasionally also attack poultry. This tick lives a long time without food of any kind, and it may subsist for generations on dead organic matter. It is, therefore, a troublesome pest to exterminate when it is once established on any premises. The harvest bug is a minute red insect about one- sixtieth of an inch long, which is common in some sections in the Summer and Fall. It ])referably at- DISEASES OF POULTKV. 169 lacks small animals, but often swarms U])on man if its habitat is invaded. It punctures and even pene- trates the skin, causing small swellings and almost insupportable itching. Fowls are sometimes at- tacked, the effects being most serious with chickens hatched late in Summer or in the Autumn. The parasites fix themselves to the skin at the base of the feathers producing such intense irritation as to in- duce epileptiform symptoms leading to death in a few days. The mortality from this cause is sometimes considerable. The red mite, or dcrmanyssus ,s;alUncr, is the most common and most pernicioush' active of all the para- sites which attack birds. It is from 1 -35 to 1 -40 inch in length, j'ellowish, white, or dark red in color ac- cording as it is fasting or is more or less filled with blood. This parasite hides by day in the crevices and corners of the buildings, nests, perches, floors, etc., where it may be found in great clusters, and at night the indivifluals composing these clusters scatter them- selves over the birds, and by pricking the skin fill themselves with blood. They are injurious not only on account of the blood which is abstracted, liut be- cause of the itching, pain, and loss of rest which is a necessary consecjuence of their activity. Young pigeons, chickens, and cage birds are the greatest sufferers; their skin becomes pale and blood- less, they lo.se their usual vigor and alertness, become emaciated, and may finally die from exhaustion. The red mite is not usually found upon the fowls when they are examined during the day, for its natural tendency is to confine its foraging to the night, but when it is allowed to multiply until very abundant the fowls are infested both day and night, and it be- 170 disi-:asks of poi-i.tky. comes, apparently at least, a permanent parasite. According to Zurn, these mites sometimes enter the nasal cavities of 3'oung pigeons and chickens and set np a catarrhal inflammation, and they have also been found in the external ojK-ning of the ear. The red mite ma^' get upon people and canse con - sideral)le itching and some irritation of the skin ; and it may, also, attack horses and other animals stabled near the poultry- -roosts It causes horses to rub and bite themselves, the hair over the affected places is lost, and there is an erui)tion similar to that which occurs in the common mange. The epizoa of our second group are all mites. The Epidcrmoptcs cause a form of scabies characterized by the production of dry, grayish -yellow crusts or scales. The disease is seen on an}' part of the body, Ijut only rarely about the head. The Sarcoptcs Icrvis produces the true scabies of fowls and pigeons. The skin is not much affected but the feathers break and are shed from the affected sur- faces. This disease and tiie scabies of the legs will be treated with all necessary detail at the end of the general article on the epizoa. The animal parasites, which live in the connective tissue and air sacs might, perhaps, be more properly placed among the entozoa. They are all mites, and some of them pass a portion of their existence upon the surface of the body. It is most convenient, there- fore, to consider them in connection with the other mites. The Cytoditcs nudus lives in the air sacs and connective tissue of fowls and pheasants. They are found in the trachea, bronchi, lungs, and the various air sacs including those of the bones. They have also been reported as found in the thoracic and peritoneal DISEASES OF POULTRY. 171 cavities. Some authors state tliat they have observed them in yellow, miliary tubercles of the body cavities, lungs, liver, and kidne3's. I,arge numl:)ers of the Cytodites may exist in the air sacs without their pres- ence being suspected during the life of the bird. When they are very numerous in the bronchi they cause irritation of the mucous membrane, catarrh and coughing. Megnin states that they may cause death by congestion and obstruction of the bronchial tul)es. Gerlach and Zundel believe that the Cytodites may cause enteritis and peritonitis. In small numbers these mites are not very injurious, but when l)irds are badly infested they become anaemic, lose f^esh, stop laj'ingeggs, show catarrhal S3'mptoms, droop and die. The Harpirhynchus nididaas lives in tumors of the skin on pigeons and sparrows. When present in small numbers onlj^ it is nearly harmless, and, at most, causes slight local irritation and disturbance to the growth of the feathers. If very numerous, there is impaired nutrition, loss of flesh, and frequentlj^ a fatal ending. T\\&' Laniinosioptcs cysticola lives in the connective tissue of the Gallinacece where it may cause irritation and the formation of tubercles, in the center of which are found the mites. They often exist without affect- ing the health of the l)irds, but when in large numl)ers there are the usual symptoms produced by theepizoa, /. r., bloodlessness, weakness, loss of flesh, and, finall}^ death. The Falciiicr rostratus of the ]Mgeon, which is really one of the feather mites, is able to introduce itself into the connective tissue beneath the skin, which it enters by way of the feather follicles, and there spends a ]iorti()n of its life. Robertson examined a 172 i)isi;.\si:s of pout. try. considerable nnml^er of lioth wild and tame pigeons and rarely found the connective tissue free from this parasite. He found it chief!}' in the subcutaneous connective tissue around the large veins of the neck, and on the surface of the pericardium. No disturb- ance of the health has been o])served to result from the presence of this ]iarasite. Passing now to the fourth group of epizoa, those which live ujwn, or within, or among the feathers, but do not bite or puncture the skin, we find included an extensive list of lice and mites. The lice of birds be- long exclusively to the pennivorous varieties, that is, they subsist upon the feathers, and perhaps also upon the epidermic scales, but the}' do not suck blood. It is a curious fact that the blood -sucking lice all live upon the mammalia. The lice of birds var}' greatly in size, the largest varieties being one -sixth of an inch long, and the smallest not more than one -thir- tieth of an inch in length. Young chickens hatched under hens nearly always have lice upon them. These are found upon the head and under the throat, where they have fixed them- selves to the feathers near to the skin, and may be mistaken for pin -feathers upon superficial examina- tion. When badly infested, the parasites may also be seen under the wings and about the vent. A number of different kinds of lice may be found at one time on the same bird, and, it may also be added, each species of birds has its own species of lice. The lice are more or less injurious to the plumage of infested birds, they cause itching bj' roaming over the skin, and they prevent the birds from obtaining their proper rest. The mites of the fourth group cause little or no in- DISICASl'S Ol' POUI.TKV. 173 convenience to the birds which they infest. Some live between the barbules of the feathers, others live within the qnills, and these are sometimes called feather mites. The Chcyletiis lives at the base of the feathers. The Syringophihis lives within the quills of the tail, the wing, and the wing -coverts. The ([uills of the affected feathers lose their transparency and are filled with an opaque powder, which, upon microscopical examination, is found to consist of the parasites, their excreta, the skins which they have shed and the debris of the interior of the quill. It is supposed that this alteration of the feather has no effect upon the health of the bird. The DervioglyPhus and Pterolichus also live within the quills. Symptoms. — ^ Small chickens do not thrive, and if badly infested they droop and die. The larger chick- ens and grown birds, when severely tormented by ex- ternal parasites, lose flesh, the skin and comb become pale and bloodless ; the birds are scratching, picking and dusting themselves continually. Unable to rest either day or night, and losing comparatively large quantities of blood, the birds rapidly become emaci- ated, sitting hens forsake their nests, the feathers be- come broken and drop out, and the skin becomes abraded and sore. The fowls no longer thrive, egg production is greatly diminished or arrested, and oc- casionally a bird is found dead. By opening the feathers carefully al^out the head, neck, under the wings, or about the vent of the fowls, lice may be seen moving about. Persons going about the roosting -places are covered with the vermin, and an examination of the roosts and crevices of the building near the roosts will reveal large clusters of 174 DISKASl'S OF ron.TKv. the red mites, some of which are light yellow in color, but the most are dark red and gorged with Ijlood. The existence of such pests as the bird flea and the dove-cote bug can only be determined by careful examination of the poultry -houses and pigeon -cotes. The coleoptera larvce should be suspected in case sores are found upon the breast and neck of young pigeons. When pigeons are troubled with ticks, these parasites are often found attached to the skin on some part of the bird's body. When the skin is irritated, inflamed, and covered with scurf, scales and crusts, with loss of feathers, or if the feathers are shed when the birds are not nor- mally molting, an examination should be made for the mites which cause scabies. If the legs become enlarged, roughened, and scaly the effects of the Sarcopics viutans are indicated. The discovery of small nodules in the skin or of miliary tubercles on the serous membranes, in the connective tissue, lungs, or other organs, should be followed by an examina- tion with a hand lens to determine if these are due to the air -sac or connective -tissue mites. Diagnosis. — It may be said that the diagnosis or determination of such disorders is easily made and unmistakable, if a careful search is made for the para- sites. In one sense this is true, but birds are often unthrifty, leave their nests, or even die from the ef- fects of lice or mites without the true cause being suspected. People either neglect to look for the para- sites, and attribute their trouble to cholera ; or if they observe a few lice they conclude that these are nor- mally present with birds and give them no further thought. It is only after a careful examination of the roosting places by taking down the roosts and remov- DISKASKS OF POULTKV. 175 inj;- loose boards and thus uncovering the parasites that the extent of the plague can be appreciated. It should be remembered at all times that the external animal parasites are the most common and frequent cause of trou- ,?#'Sx^^^ hie in the poultry -5^ard and Wii)^^^_ pigeon -cote. If the birds are not thriving and conducting lititiiJi^^aa^, ^^ themselves satisfactorily, look fetaia©:f^ for these pests, take measures I ' ^^^^^ ! to repress them, and in most ^fi$ti3|M,i cases the results will be sur- / Wj^ I^ prising and gratifying. When anything is the matter with a Tig. :^.-Me„opo„ bi.criutu,n. ^orsc the maxim is examine Iiis (Fowls.) y^.^Y, and when anything is found wrong with poultry or other domesticated birds, the maxim should be Uyok for lice. Causation. — The louse ^__ plague is the result of con- tagion. The parasites are introduced upon birds, and ^^^"3^^""^^!^*^ x' they multiply and increase to a remarkable extent when the conditions are favorable. ^^ ^^?rf*J^T??r? It has been estimated that ' ^^-;.f,i>l;«,Wa^\ the second generation from a i ^t^^'w'^^i^'V single louse may number twenty -five hundred indi- i' r ^'i viduals, and the third gen- v\e.2.<).~Mttwpon latum. . t it- (Pig-eons.) eration may reach the enor- mous number of one hundred and twenty -five thou- sand ; and all of tliese may be produced in the course 176 DISEASES OF POULTRY. of eight weeks. It is not sur])risius:, therefore, that, althougli birds have so few parasites upon them when well cared for that these insects can not be discovered, a few weeks of neglect and unfavorable surroundings may bring an entire change and reveal them covered with vermin, exhausted and emaciated. It is not many years since there was a general belief in the spontaneous generation of lice from accumula- tions of dirt and filth, and a remnant of this belief still lingers in many minds. We maj' now safely banish any tendency to this antiquated theory which we ma}' have inherited or ac- quired through the influence of tradition. The theory of spon- taneous generation was first ex - ])loded as applied to crocodiles and reptiles of the tropical swamps and rivers ; still later it was shown to be untrue with re- gard to lice and other insects, and finall}' it was disproved in rela- tion to the very smallest organ- isms that are revealed by the highest powers of the microscope. Today it is admitted by all scientists that every living thing is descended from a living parent of the same nature. The different species of lice and mites are as easily distinguished from each other by experts as are the different species of birds. Their peculiarities are in- herited from generation to generation, and they con- tinue to live upon the same species of birds. The hens, the turkey's, the pigeons, the ducks, the geese, and the Guinea fowls each have their peculiar species Fig. 40. — Lipeurus cohimhae (Piffeons.) DISKASMS (M'- IHirLTKY. 177 of lice which live upon thcni alone, and there are but comparatively few kinds of lice which live upon two or more species of birds. We may, consequently, favor the multiplication of lice by making the con- ditions favorable for them, but we can not prodvice lice where none exist. The conditions which favor the nudtiplication of lice and other external parasites are found partly in the 1)irds and partly in the surroundino;s. Unhealthy or unthrift}^ birds, or those which from any cause lack strength and vigor are most subject to the at- tacks of such i)arasites, and may be found literally covered with them when other members of the flock are comparatively free from their attacks. For similar rea- sons some varieties of birds are much more likely to be infested with vermin iinder the same con- ditions than are others. There rXiiAx.—Goitiodesdissim^iix. are birds so strong, healthy and vigorous that lice can not thrive u])on them. Exer- cise, proper feeding, pure air, all have a tendency to keep the birds in a condition unfavorable to the ex- istence of the parasites. On the other hand accumu- lations of manure and filth, close confinement of the birds, lack of dusting places, buildings with crevices in which the insects may hide, and damp, dark and badly ventilated houses are conditions which favor the parasites and lead to their rapid development. The twultrj^-yard may be kept practically free from these insect pests, but there is always a liability' of their introduction with ])urchased fowls or with ])irds 178 DISEASES OF POUl.TKV. that have become infested at shows and other places. Contagion must, therefore, be accepted as the cause of this plague, and it should be guarded against on the same principles as are the infective elements of other communicable diseases. Treatment. — Young cliickens hatched under hens almost invariably have lice ujion them and should be treated as soon as removed from the nests. An effica- cious and safe remedy in this case is pure lard. It should be carefully rubbed into the feathers upon the top of the head and under the throat. Lard obstructs the breathing pores of the lice and soon kills them. Nothing should be mixed with the lard to increase its activity as such young birds are very sensitive to the action of irritants and are seriously injured by them. Some recommend mixing powdered sulphur with the lard for this purpose; but it should on no account be used on small chickens as it causes inflammation of the eyes and arrests the growth. Pure lard is harmless and will kill the lice, con- sequently it can be used with full confidence. A small quantity may also be rubbed under the wings, but this is not usually considered necessary until the chicks are a week or two old. Chickens hatched in the incubator should be free from lice, and will be unless the incubator has in some way become infested. It is well to examine even in- cubator chicks occasionally for lice as the incubator or brooder may have these insects introduced into them in various ways and then become favorable places for the growth of the parasites as well as for the develop - ¥\g. 42— Lipi'iirua caponis. (Fowls.) DISKASHS OF POri.TKV. 179 ment of the ])irds. The older birds, but not the hens with young chickens, may be anointed about the heads, under the wings, and around the vent with an ointment made by thoroughly mixing a teaspoonful of flowers of sulphur with an ounce of lard. Some use instead of this ointment or in combination with it in- secticide powder, which is blown or dusted into the feathers. This operation is best performed by holding the bird by the legs, head downwards, so that the tendency of the feathers will be to fall away from the body. Then apply the powder thoroughly with a dredging box or a powder bellows. If the bird is held over a large piece of paper the powder which fails to adhere to the feathers and skin can be saved and used a second time. The powders most generall}' used for this purpose are pyrethrum, stavesacre seeds, and flowers of sulphur. It is con- sidered a good plan to moisten the roots of the feathers with soapy water in order to make the pyreth - rum or stavesacre powder adhere. Some poultrj-men dip their fowls in a solution containing one per cent carbolic acid. This s-olution is made by mixing !}( ounces of pure carbolic acid with 1 gallon of hot water. Larger quantities may be made in the same proportion. The solution is allowed to cool and is then put in a vessel suitable for immersing the bird to be treated. The fowls should be held in this liquid for about a minute and care should betaken to wet every portion of the body and head. Creolin will probably prove more satisfactory .for this treat - Fig■.43.— Menopoii pallidum. (Fowls. i 180 di.si:asi:s or poultry. ment than carbolic acid, as it is cquaHy efficacious in killing insects, but is less poisonous to birds and the odor is less objectionable to the o])erator. It is used in the strength of 2 'j ounces mixed with a gallon of water. Tl.e treatment of the birds with some of the sub- stances mentioned, although it is in- dispensal)le for the control of the para- sites, is not alone sufficient. The build - iiigs must receive prompt attention and thorough treatment. The droppings should be carefull}^ removed and mixed with fine, dry road dust, ashes or lime. Fine dust is destructive to the lice and Fitr.44.- hence should be plentifully used about '^°'''''"'tiogasi.-r. the buildings, and given to the fowls in •Fowls.) boxes so large that they can thoroughly dust themselves in it. Pyrethrum and sulphur may be mixed with the dust in such boxes and render it more deadly to the insects. The floor of the poultry -house or pigeon -cote should be thoroughly scraped, and covered with fresh sand or road dust. The roosts and all loose pieces of wood should be removed and then the whole inside and also the parts which have been removed should be well wetted by spraying with a solution made by dissolving 6 ounces of crude carbolic acid to the gallon of water. This should be mixed with the water at nearly the boiling point as carbolic acid does not readily mix with cold water. At least once a year the inside woodwork and walls should be given a good coat of lime -wash to which 4 ounces of crude carbolic acid for each gallon has been added. The nests should also be cleaned out, drenched with boiling water or disi-:asks of Pori.TKV. 181 carbolic solution, and wIilu di}- s])rinkk-(l with in- secticide powder and bedded with fresh straw. The carbolic preparations shouKl always be used in the morning and the buildings thoroughly ventilated dur- ing the day so that the odor will not l)e so strong as to be injurious to the birds at night. The treatment recommended al)Ove, if thoroughly carried out, is sufficient to keep the troublesome ex- ternal parasites either eradicated or under such con- trol that they will not prove injurious. For con- venience various other methods have been devised which are more or less effectual. Some throw dry lime dust against the roof and walls of the buildings; others fumigate by burning sulphur and leaving the doors and windows closed for a few hours, there being, of course, no birds left inside at the time; still others fumigate by placing open bottles of bisulphide of carbon about the poul - try -house. Aniseed is dis- tasteful to most of the vermin of birds, and is an excellent remedy when powdered and dusted into the feathers, or when strewn into the nest boxes. A small quantity of the essential oil mixed with hot water renders this more effectual in destroying the mites about the roosts, nests and other woodwork. The essential oil may also be mixed with olive oil and rubbed upon those parts of the birds most frequented by lice; and in case of catarrh caused by the red mite FifT. 45. — Dermaiivsstis gal/iiiie. Red mite.) Matrnified 75 diameters. I'pper surface. T^ OF TBP " ^ UNIVERSITY 182 DISEASES OF POULTRY, this mixture may l)e introduced into the nasal pas- sages with a small feather. In case the larvie of the Cohoptcra attack the young pigeons, the houses should ])e cleaned as thoroughly as possible, in the manner which has been specified, and the nests and floor should be strewn with a mixture of equal parts of pine sawdust and sand. When the Arx'as or pigeon tick is introduced upon a premises it must be de- stroj'ed by every possible means. The ticks should be carefully picked from the birds so that the head (ros- Fie.'io.-u.r„u,„ys.„sga//i>ue. truHi) will not be left in the (Red mite.) Magnified /S diameters. Under surface. WOUUd. They sllOUld then be crushed or burned. The infested pigeon -cotes should be thoroughly cleaned, scalded and white- washed. Insecticide powder should be freely used upon the birds and nests. The harvest bug may be destroyed and kept away from fowls if creolin, carbolic or sulphur ointment is freely used upon the birds. The Epidcrmoptcs are combated with creolin dii)S, and sulphur ointment. The mites which live in the air sacs and connective tissue can not be reached by anj^ kind of medication. They can only be eradicated from the flock by con- stant attention to all the details necessarj' to ensure cleanliness, by killing affected birds and by burning their carcasses. DISEASES OF POULTRY. 183 SCAHIi:S OK MANC. K OF THE BODY. Two varielies of scabies have been described as af- fecting the bodies of the domesticated birds. One form has been attributed to mites of the genus Epider- moptcs and the other is known to be caused by the Sarcoptcs. These varieties being quite distinct will be described separately. SCABIES CAUSED BY EPIDERMOPTES. The two species named Epidcrmoptcs bilobatus and Epidennoptes bifiircatus have been observed by a num - ber of authors, and their presence is generally coinci- dent with a mange -like disease of the skin, although the}^ have also been discovered upon fowls apparently free from this disease. There is, consequentl}-, some doubt as to whether the.se mites produce scabies, or whether they are inoffensive. The preponderance of evidence at present indicates, however, that the}' are the cause of the disease which has been attributed to them. The Epidcrmoptcs are ver}' small aca - rina, or mites which generally live in the soft plumage or down at the surface of the skin. Usually they are not Dimumyssus numerous but under certain conditions Red mite) E^e they multiply enormously. The skin MaVnrfie/Ti'dT- of various parts of the body or over **'"<'*'"'"^- the entire body, with the exception of the head, be- comes irritated, scurfy, and covered with large, thin, yellowish or grayish scales or crusts which accumu- late particularly at the base of the feathers. In rare instances the head may be affected; but it is generally the neck, breast, the region under the wings, 184 DISKASKS OI- POULTRY. and the wings themselves, that are found diseased. The api)earance of the affected parts resembles closely that seen in faviis — the disease caused by the veg;etable parasite known as the Achorion Schonleinii . Some have, therefore, suspected that the disease is reallj' due to this fungus and that tlie mites are inno- cent of pathogenic action. The truth must be de- termined b}' future investigations. SCABIKS CAUSED BY SARCOPTES — DEPLUMING SCABIES. This form of scabies was first observed by Railliet and Cadiot, in 1885, on a Homing Pigeon from Brus- sels. It was later found by Railliet to be a frequent af- fection of fowls. It is caused by the mite known as the Sarcoptes hrvis. The parasite found on the pig- eon is not exactly the same as that found ujion fowls although both belong to the same species. The variety which lives upon the pigeon is distinguished b}- the term coIiDubce, and that which lives upon fowls b\' the v;nln!/'rurVacl;''^'rna;aifi"ed VsS term galliucr. The disease diameters. jg niost coHimou iu Spring and Summer, disappearing in the Fall when the birds molt, and is seen again towards Spring. The principal symptom of this trouble is a loss of feathers from spots of various sizes, situated on differ- ent parts of the body. Tlie feathers break off at the surface of the skin, and at the root of the feather is seen a small mass of epidermic scales which is easily Fitr. 48. — Epiderino/'li-x hilohaliia disp:asks oi- pout.tky. 185 cruslK'il into powder. A microscopic exainiuation of this powder reveals numerous mites and the debris which they produce. The disease appears in ])oultry -yards as a conse- quence of the introduction of one or more birds al- ready' affected. It is readily communi- cated , develops rapid - ly and in a few days a whole flock is con- taminated. It usually begins on the rump, the transfer of con- tagion being effected bj" copulation, and spreads rapidly to the back, the thighs and the belly. An infest- ed cock will rapidly infect all tlie fowls in a poultry -yard. Often the head and the up - ])er surface of the neck are affected early in the course of the disease. The feathers fall off at all these points, and finally the skin is denuded over a large extent of surface. The large feathers of the tail and wings and the wing -coverts are generally retained. The denuded skin presents a normal appearance — it is smooth, soft, of a pinkish color and not percepti- bly thickened. By pulling out the feathers which remain near the invaded parts, it is easy to find, with both fowls and pigeons, a mass of epidermic scales at Fit;-. 4'>.— /C /'/,/,>■ /iio/^hs bilohoius of the fowl; feniali', seen on the ventral surface; magnilied 15J diameters. 186 DISEASES OF POULTKY. the end of the quill which contains a number of the parasites. The general health of the birds is apparently not disturbed. They remain in good flesh, and continue to lay as though thej' were not affected. It seems probable that much of the irregular molting, feather pulling and feather eating are due to the irritation caused by the Sajcopics Iccvis. Treatment. — The treatment of scabies of the body is not very difBcult but must be persisted in until a cure is effected. Hel- merich's oint- ment is usually recommended. A m o d i fi e d form more suitable for use on the 1)odies of birds may be pre- pared l)y thor- oughly mix- i ng the follow - Fig. 50.— Sarro/'/ts Ar?'/.*, var. gulliinr; male, seen iug ingrC" on the ventral surface; raapnified 200 diameters. ,■ , rM^,,. uients : r low - ers of sulphur, 1 dram, carbonate of potash, 20 grains, lard or vaseline, ]z ounce. This ointment should be rubbed over the affected portions of the skin and the adjacent parts. In place of this there may be substi- tuted creolin or carbolic ointment, made bj^ mixing DISEASES OF POULTRY. 187 1 part of either of these substances with 10 parts by weight of bird or vaseline. A very large surface of the body shoukl not be covered with strong carbolic acid preparations on account of the danger of absorp- tion and poisoning. Convenient liquid preparations for the treatment of scabies are made by mixing Peruvian balsam 1 ounce, alcohol 3 ounces; or, glycerine 3 ounces, water 1 ounce, carbolic acid 1 dram; or, glycerine 2 ounces, alcohol /j ounce, water Yz ounce, creolin 1 dram. The affected parts of the body may be rubbed with either one of these preparations every four or five days until a cure is effected. It is well to finish the treatment by dipping the birds in a two -per -cent y\s-5i.—Sarcopu.'!hvTis,\^r. gn/- hnoe; ovig-erous female, seen on the creolin 1)ath (2 'i ounces florsal surlace: matrnified 1(X) diam- ■ " " eters. creolin to 1 gallon of water) and to whitewash the houses with carbolated whitewash. This will kill any mites which may be left in the feathers or about the roosts.-' FAVUS. This disease is popularly known as " baldness " or " white comb." It is caused bj^ a fungus named the Achorion Schonleinii, which also attacks mankind, dogs, cats, rabbits and mice. When it affects people the disease is known as tinea favosa and faviis, the tendency being to accept the latter name. The para- 188 1)i.si:asks of poui.trv. site was discovered in tl:e disease of man by Remak in \SM and more completely demor.strated by Schon- lein in 1841. It was discovered as affecting cats by Jacquetant in 1847, and on mice by Bennett in 1850; while Gerlach, Muller and Leisering each published cases of it on poultry in 1858. Saint Cyr described the first case of favus on the dog in 1868 and in 1869 he discov- ered it on the rabbit. S V MP TOMS. — Favus is a dis- ease of the skin which in birds generally com- mences upon the comb, or other fleshy parts of the head and gradually extends to and affects the skin of the body. In rare cases it Flu. S2.-Sarcopies Uvis, var. ^„///,;.^' larva, j^ggiuS Upon the ;en on the ventral surface; niajriiified 200diam => t- body before the head is affected. The disease manifests itself by small white or light gray, round or irregular spots, from the size of a pinhead to that of a dime, that ex- tend and increase in number, until nearly all of the skin of the affected part is covered. An examination of these spots shows that a thin scale or crust has formed on the surface of the skin. This crust often seen on eters DISEASKS OK POULTRY 189 develops in round or concentric deposits, raised at the border and dei)ressed at the center, givinc^ to the spots a cup -shaped appearance. The crust increases in thickness until in the course of a month it may be one -fourth inch or more in depth. It is then of a dirty -white color, scaly and irre:jular on the surface. When the crust is removed the skin is seen to be irri - tated and slightly excoriated. The ^^x% disease extends from the bare parts of the head to the parts of the body covered with feathers. The neck, the region about the vent, and the adjoining sur- faces are soon in- vaded. The feathers become dry, erect and brit - tie, they break and fall off leaving the skin denuded and covered with crusts, which are often cup -shaped, having in the center the (le])rL*ssion in which the feather was fixed. At first the general health of the bird is not visibly affected, it appears bright, eats well and conducts it- self as usual. After a time, however, when a con- siderable area has been invaded, it manifests weak- ness, loses flesh, its appetite becomes irregular and it ^3 —He id and neck of a f<)\\ 1 iffcLted .. all frei.eral.-ted fa\us. 190 I)ISKASI-;S Ol- POULTRY. falls into a decline which continues until the forces of the body are exhausted and it dies. During the course of the disease the affected l)irds give off a dis- agreeable odor which has been likened by some to that of moldy cheese and by others to the exhalations from mice, cat's urine, or macerating animal substances. Causation. — Favus is a contagious disease, and, as has already l)een stated, it is caused by a fungus which has been named Achorion SchonleUiii. If a small particle of one of the crusts is taken, placed upon a glass slip and moistened with water or dilute acetic acid and sub- mitted to microscopic examination at a magnification of 300 to 500 diameters, it is seen to be made up of threads or mj-celium of the fungus held to- gether ])y a thick, viscid, gelatinous sub - stance which it se- cretes. Numerous spherical or ovoid spores are also visible both within the filaments and in a free condition. An examination of the feathers on the affected parts re- veals the fact that the fungnis has penetrated the shaft, filled it with crusts, and has in some cases even reached the barbs. The disease may be inoculated from bird to l)ird, Fi(j. 54.— The Aclioiioii Srhoii/iiiiii oi the favus of poultry; niafriiificd 800 diameters. /?•, empty tubes: //, tubes filled with protoplasm and containing' spores; s, iso- lated spores. DISEASES OF POULTkV. 191 and probably also from mice, rats, rabbits, cats and dog^s to birds. On the other hand, it may pro1)ably also be communicated from birds to these animals and to children. Some authorities consider the poultry favus a distinct form of the disease and not communi- cable to mammals, but the weight of evidence favors the conclusion that the disease in all of these species is identical and intercommunicable. Apparently' a wound or abrasion of the skin is necessary to enable the fungus to obtain a foothold. The filaments and spores suspended in water have been placed upon the combs of poultry without effect, until the surface of the skin was scratched or a])raded. As fowls come into close contact with each other and often have wounds of the skin from fighting or other causes, the disease spreads rapidly among them and unless proper measures are adopted for its arrest the results may be disastrous to the flock. Young birds appear to be more susceptible to this disease than old ones, and large birds particularly of the Asiatic breeds are pre- disposed to it though no varieties are altogether exempt. Treatment. — Favus yields readily to proper treat- ment if it is not allowed to develop too far before remedial measures are applied. When confined to the parts of the head that are bare of feathers, it is not diflSicult to manage, but when it spreads to parts cov- ered by feathers and also affects the plumage it be- comes much more serious. It is important that the remedy used should pene- trate beneath the crusts to the skin, and to secure this the crusts may be rubbed off as thoroughly as possi- ble with a blunt instrument such as the handle of a spoon. This should be done gently so as not to cause 192 DISICASES OF POULTKY. bleeding. After the crusts are removed dress the af- fected part once a day with anj' one of the following preparations : Tincture of iodine. Benzine 1 part, soft soap 20 parts; mix thoroughly before using. Or carbolic acid 1 part, soft soap 20 parts, to be well mixed. The carbolic preparation should not be ap- I^lied to a large surface at one time as the acid may be absorbed and cause poisoning. A good ointment may be made with either calomel or red oxide of mercurj' 1 part to 8 parts of vaseline. If the above mentioned remedies fail a more active, but also more dangerous ointment ma}' be made by mixing 3 grains of nitrate of silver with Vz ounce of vaseline. This ointment should be made by the druggist and carefully rubbed upon the diseased surface. Another remedy, which on account of its poisonous character should only be used as a last resort, is made by dissolving 10 grains of corrosive sublimate in an ounce of water. In the remedies here mentioned the means are pro- vided for effectually arresting this troublesome malady and eradicating it from the poultry -j^ard. If taken in time, the application of the milder preparations daily for a few days will be sufficient ; but in case a number of birds become affected and particularly if feathered parts are involved, the more active agents will be required. It is, also, necessary to adopt sani- tary regulations. The affected birds should be sepa- rated from the well ones, and the houses and ruas should be disinfected with limewash and carbolic acid solution. CHICKEN POX — SORE HEAD — PIGEON POX. This disease has been for many years familiar to students of veterinary medicine, l^oth in Europe and America. It was at first thought to be a form of disi:asi:s ok poultry 193 variola, allied to cow pox if not identical with it. Careful study has shown, however, that it is an en- tirely distinct disease. Some persons lacking a better name have called it warts. More recently it was de- scribed by Bollinger as epithelioma eontagiosum and was by him and others supposed to be caused by the low forms of animal parasites known as psorosperms. The disease has, therefore, been called by some writers eutaneojis psorospermosis. In 1897, Sanfelice published a notable paper on the subject from which it appears %4i\ Fij:. 55. FifT. 56. Fip. 55. — Inoculated pi peon 6 days after appearance of fir^it syniptonis. Fig-. 56. ~ Inoculated pifif-eon 10 days after appearance of first symptoms. that chicken pox is caused by a fungus of the group now known to scientists as blastomycetes. Chicken pox affects ordinary fowls, turke3's, pig- eons, and, more rarely, geese. Pigeons, and j^oung chickens are particularly susceptible. Grown fowls are only occasionally affected. The malady while widespread and well known is a disease of warm countries, and is usually found in Southern Europe and the Gulf Section of the I'nited States. It is there very destructive, attacking a large proportion of the birds, and unless it is early and vigorously treated it causes much damage and many deaths. Symptoms. — This disease chiefly affects the head of poultry, and appears as an eruption of round or oblong, yellow nodules, varying from the size of ai^in- 194 DISEASKS OF POUI.TKV. head to that of a pea or a grain of corn. The largest are found about the beak, the nostrils, the eyelids, and upon other parts of the head that are free from feathers. They form rough, yellow masses ui)on the comb and wattles. The eruption may be localized where it first appears or it may extend to the feathered portions of the body. With pigeons the eruption has a tendency to become diffuse and invades the neck, the lower surface of the body, the inner sides of the legs and wings, the rump and even the upper surface of the wings. The nodules, which at first have somewhat the ap- pearance of the warts offer seen upon the hands of children, reach their full development in from five to ten days. They soon show a central depression, an opening forms, or the summit is rubbed off accident- ally or by the bird's beak, after which there is a dis- charge of a watery, or, later, of a thick, yellowish matter which soils the feathers and which if abundant may become foul and disagreeable. When the disease is localized, the general health of the bird does not appear to suffer, and spontaneous recovery raaj^ occur. In this case the nodules dry up and form a crust which falls off either as a whole or in particles. Generally, however, the disease extends, the birds become emaciated, the plumage is rough, the strength is exhausted, and death results. In the most violent cases, especially with pigeons, the erup- tion extends to the mucous membranes of the mouth and nostrils, the resulting inflammation takes on a diphtheritic form, and early death follows. Causation. — This disease has long been recog- nized as contagious and to spread from one bird to another. If an affected bird is introduced into a flock. DISKASKS OF POULTRY. 195 the roosting places become infected, and the contagion is spread about the premises and it is not long, before other birds become diseased. Rivolta concluded that the disease was not transmitted bj- jilacing the infec- tious matter upon the sound skin; but Pfeififer suc- ceeded in causing the disease in fowls and jiigeons bj' inoculating it through punctures of the skin. San- felice has repeated these experiments with the result that the disease was invariably caused in pigeons by inoculation into the eyelids ; and in the case of ten pigeons with which the infectious matter was simpl}- smeared upon the e3'elids, two contracted the disease. It appears, therefore, that while an abrasion of the surface or a deeper wound facilitates the entrance of the contagion into the tissues, the parasite may in certain cases, at least, penetrate the normal skin. Some have supposed that the bites of fleas and mosquitoes, others that the punctures of ticks produce this disease. Undoubtedly these act simply by fur- nishing an easy entrance for the germs. The blas- toraycetes or fungi appear to multipl}' outside of the birds' bodies, probably in the accumulations of excre- ment which exist in man}- poultry -houses. Some moisture is necessary for the growth of these germs, and hence it is not surprising that poultry raisers have observed that the disease appears in those houses which have leaky roofs or into which water can pene- trate through the walls and thus moisten the drop- pings. It is well known that fungi are most numerous in the atmosphere during wet weather while bacteria are most numerous during dry times. This fact ma^' account for the prevalence of sore head during wet weather. It is, also, a matter of observation that this disease is much more prevalent and fatal among late- 196 DISEASKS or POULTRY. hatched chickens than anion*^ those raised early in the season. The development and spread of the con- tagion is influenced, therefore, by the condition of the poultry -houses, by the season of the year, and to a certain extent by the weather. Tkeatmknt. — The prophylactic or preventive treatment consists in excluding affected birds from the premises ; in keeping the poultry -houses and pig- eon -cotes clean and dry ; and in hatching the chickens early on farms where the disease is troublesome. Dis- infection by whitewashing the houses, or spraying them thoroughly with a solution containing three to five i)er cent of carbolic acid and then opening them for the drying action of the sun and air is a val- uable means of guarding against an outbreak of the disease. The curative treatment consists of the local appli- cation of those remedies which have been found efficient for the destruction of the parasitic blastom}'- cetes. Some persons have been successful b}' feeding sulphur, and at the same time, applying sulphur oint- ment twice a da}^ to the nodules. Others have cured the affected birds by applying carbolic ointment, or glycerine containing two per cent of carbolic acid. Another treatment is to bathe the affected parts with soap and water in order to soften the crusts, and after- wards apply a solution of sulphate of copper (blue- stone), a dram to ]2 pint of water. Sulphate of copper has been found destructive to many kinds of fungi, and, therefore, is promising in this disease. Tincture of iodine has also been recommended, both by itself and mixed with 10 per cent of carbolic acid, but this remedy is rather severe and should only be DISKASKS OF POULTRY. 197 applied sparingly and after the others mentioned have proved ineffectual. This local treatment should be accompanied by cleaninb: and disinfection of the houses, and, if possi- ble, changing to new, uninfected runs. The feeding troughs and drinking vessels should be daily washed with boiling water. When the disea.se first appears in a flock the affected birds should be at once isolated and treated, and the effort made by disinfection to prevent the further ex- tension of the contagion. 19S DISK ASKS OF POULTRY CHAPTER X. DiSKASKS OK THK FKKT AND LkGS. LEG WKAKXESS— KinClMATISM AND GOVT— SUPERFICIAL SOKES— CONNS—DEEP BKIISES AND ABSCESSES— SCA- BIES OF THE LEGS AND FEET, SCALY LEGS. LKG WKAKNESS. ^Vg" EG weakness is a term which is popularly II used to designate any condition in which /^^r birds find it difficult or impossible to sup- port themselves upon their legs. It may develop in young chickens kept in brooders in which the heat is not properly distributed or where there is too much bottom heat, also in those which are kept constantly upon wooden floors. It is often seen in heavy cockerels, and also occurs in flocks which have been forced or which are kept in badly ventilated and damp houses. This trouble is ]-)robably in most cases of a rheu- matic nature, affecting the muscles, tendons and joints. Frequently it consists only of bruises of the feet; while, sometimes, its nature is obscure and difficult to understand. Symptoms. — The disease may come on gradually or suddenly. In the former case, there is first seen an unsteadiness in the walk or lameness which l)e- comes more aggravated, until the bird, instead of standing upon its feet, sits down upon its legs-even DISEASES OF POULTRY. 199 when eatiutj. In the worst cases, the l)irds are unaVjle even to raise themselves to a standing position. Treatment. — First, examine the birds for bruised feet or inflammation of the joints and if either of these conditions is found apply local treatment as recom- mended in subsequent paragraphs. In all cases give cooling food, such as bran, barle3^ rice, green feed, skim milk or butter milk, and vegetal)les. Avoid condiments, meat and stimulating rations of all kinds. Give 5 grains bicarbonate of soda daily in the drink- ing water for grown fowls. See that the heat is properly applied in brooders, and that the 1)irds have dry, well aired quarters. RHEUMATISM AND GOUT. All species of fowls and especially chickens are sub- ject to rheumatic affections. The trouble begins with spasmodic jerking of the legs, and is followed by lameness, indisposition to remain standing, painful joints and refusal to walk. The feet and the next joint above (tibio -tarsal), are most frequently affected. After a time small swellings appear iipon the sides of these joints, which are at first soft, and somewhat painful, but gradually become more firm Until they feel like enlargements of the bones. Sometimes these swellings ulcerate, in which case the sores appear red, irregular in outline and bleeding. A yellowish flaky or stringy pus partly fills the sore and when this is re- moved the naked tendons, bones or joints may some- times be seen. The cavities of the joints are opened to the air, fistulas develop and death of the bone oc- curs. The disease is chronic in its development and the advanced stages are, therefore, generally seen in old birds. The affected birds may live a long time even when the disease has progressed to the extreme 200 DISKASES OF POULTRY. degree described above. Thej^ lose flesh, however, their ]^hiniage becomes rough and dull, diarrhea sets in and death occurs from exhaustion. Tre.\tmknt. — As rheumatism is usually caused by e.xposure to cold and dampness, the development of the disease in one or more fowls of a flock should be a warning to im])rove the ventilation and drainage of the houses. The buildings where the fowls live and roost should 1)e thoroughly dry, free from draughts, yet well ventilated, and not too cold. With proper atten- tion to these sanitary arrangements the disease should be prevented. Affected lairds should have frequent change of ration with plenty of green feed. Begin treatment with a dose of Kpsom salts 20 to 30 grains. The following day add 30 to 40 grains of bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) to the quart of drinking water, and give 2 or 3 grains of salicj^lic acid twice a day. Apply camphorated or carbolic ointment to the af- fected joints. The birds which are seriously affected would be better killed than treated, and the main re- liance must be under any circumstances in prevention by securing proper sanitary conditions. DISE.\SKS OF THE FEET. The feet of poultry are very subject to diseases which result from pricks, cuts, bruises, and other injuries. Although the weight of birds is small com- l^ared with that of most other domesticated animals, the fact that their nights are usually spent upon perches, that in flying from these perches they often alight ver}'^ heavily, and that they scratch very vigor- ousl}' in searching for their food, is a sufficient expla- nation of their peculiar liability to this class of in- juries. It is convenient for our purpose to divide the diseases of the feet, which result from injuries, into DISEASES OF POULTRY 201 atarsus; a, digits. 202 DISKASES OF POULTRY. three classes; viz.,1, superficial sores; 2, corns; 3, deep bruises and abscesses. supj:ri"icial soki:s. f .Ibrasioiis, Pricks, Cuts, Cracks, and Fissures.) Such injuries are not very serious, ])ut if the bird is seen to be latne, an-.l particularl}' if there is any heat or swellinj^: a])Out the toes or foot, suitable measures should be taken to make the bird comfortable and pre- vent the development of a more dangerous condition. If there is much inflammation indicated by heat and swelling, hold the foot in water almost as warm as the hand can bear for half an hour, adding hot water from time to time to keep up the temperature. Before the l)ird is released apply a small quantitj^ of boric acid ointment (boric acid 1 part, vaseline 5 parts ) to the injured part. This ointment should also be applied to abrasions, cuts, and cracks where the hot water treatment is unnecessar}-, as it ]:)romotcs ra})id healing. Confine the bird to a yard covered with soft earth or j'oung grass for a few daj-s and do not allow it to roost upon a perch until its feet are well. CORNS. The condition known as corns is an inflammation and thickening of the skin on the under surface of tlie foot, the result of prolonged pressure, irritation, and bruises. Corns are generally caused b}' too small or too narrow perches which compel the fowls to grasp them tightl}' in order to maintain their position. This firm gras]) continued night after night affects the cir- culation of the part of the foot that comes in closest contact with the perch. More or less irritation and inflammation is set up, which leads to multiplication and enlargement of the cells of the part, and results in swelling and thickening of the skin. A similar DISEASES OF POULTRY. 203 condition may l^e caused by heavy birds flying from their perches and alighting upon a stony surface or hard floor. Suitable precautions should be adopted to prevent the development of corns. The perches should be broad and flat, they should be of a proper height, and the floor upon which the birds alight should be cov- ered with earth or sand so the feet will not be bruised. The affected birds should be treated by paring off the thickened epidermis, without causing bleeding, and applying boric acid ointment (see above), or painting the part with tincture of iodine. DEEP BRUISES AND ABSCESSES. ( Binnblefoot ) This is an aggravation of the condition known as corns. It is seen in those cases where the irritation and bruising is most severe or prolonged. The af- fected part is hot, painful, and more or less swollen. Sometimes an abscess has formed, or in older cases this abscess may have broken and left a suppurating sore. In the most severe cases the joints may be in- flamed, and maj' even be penetrated by the pus chan- nels which have formed from the abscesses. As treatment employ the preventive measures al - ready mentioned for corns and other injuries to the feet. Soak the feet in warm water for a half hour twice a daj^ and poultice until the inflammation is reduced. If an abscess in the sole is indicated b}^ a soft, fluctuating swelling of the part, it should be opened with a sharp knife. After the poulticing is completed apply boric acid ointment and protect the feet with a piece of cotton cloth. If the joints have become affected, and particularly if these communicate with the pus channels and are the seat of suppuration, 204 DISKASKS OF POULTRY the l)ird should l)e killed, as its treatment would be unprofitable, and its entire recovery would not be probable. SCAHIHS OF THK LKGS AND FKET — SCALY LEGS. Symptoms. — In scabies of the legs, the epidermic scales on the anterior surface of the legs and upon the ujiper surface of the foot, become loosened and elevated bj- the forma- tion of a whitish crust or compacted powdery substance beneath them. The raising of these scales gives the leg a rough and enlarged appearance which is easily recognized and is verj- characteristic. This form of sca1)ies begins in the clefts between the toes and runs a very slow course. The elevation of the epidermic scales is very gradual. At first there is observed onl}^ a ''^n\fied^'Voo"dram- sHght thickening of these scales, and roughness, but the continued forma- tion of the white, powdery crust aggravates this con- dition, causes the scales to become detached and to assume a position nearly perpendicular to the surface. The disea.se extends up the leg and also along the toes until the whole shank and foot become involved. The two legs are usuall}' affected at the same time and to about the same degree. Unless treated the disease continues to progress, the epidermic scales are detached, the joints become af- fected and the birds walk with difficulty. In the most severe cases a joint or even an entire toe may become detached, the birds lose flesh and die from exhaustion. There appears to l)e only a moderate degree of itching. Fip. miitaii: ilial nia>.' eters Sairopli- A the fowl; DISEASKS OK POUI.TKV. 205 The birds occasionally peck at or scratch the affected parts with the beak. They do this most frequently at night and in warm weather. Causation.- Scaly legs is a form of scabies or mange caused by the mite known as the Sarcoptes mutans. It ,s a strictly contagious disease although It does not spread rapidly from bird to bird, and there may be only a few noticeably affected birds in a flock. The Asiatic breeds are most susceptible to it, and many birds, even of these breeds, resist the attacks of the mites, and never show any symptoms. It attacks quite a variety of birds— fowls, turkeys, pheas- ants, partridges and cage birds, but has not been ob- served in ducks and geese. In the production of scaly legs, the Sarcoptes muians penetrates beneath the epidermic scales h'^^'V . •^...«.., . ' sLdieb dorsal surface; magnified 100 on the upper surface of the '*'^"^«*^''s- foot and the front of the shank, and bv burrowing there sets up an irritation which leads to a multiplication of the cells of the part, and an exudation of serum It IS by the union of these two products that the white powdery crust is formed, which raises the epidermic scales from their normal position. If the crusts are removed and the under surface examined with a lens they are found to contain a large number of depres- sions in each of which a female, egg-containing Sar- copt IS lodged. The larva-, males and younger females are found wandering beneath the crusts. The crust contains so many cavities that it has very much the Fier. 59. !06 DISKASKS OF POULTRY. appearance of dried l>read. As the crust thickens by deposits on the inner surface, the cavities first formed become smaller l)y the drying of the walls surround- ing them, and the Sarcopt abandons this location for a jiosition nearer the flesh, where there is more mois- ture. The mites are, there- fore, only found on the in- ner surface of the crust, although the cavities or honey -combed appearance exists throughout the whole substance. T R E .\ T M E N T. — When this disease is first observed in a flock, prompt and energetic measures should be adopted to eradicate it. The affected birds should be isolated to prevent the spread of the contagion. The houses which they have occupied should be thoroughh' cleaned. The roosts and other woodwork should be scalded with boiling water or covered with carbolated lime wash. The treatment of the af- fected birds is the same as with sca])ies of the body, with the single exception that the loosened scales must be removed in order to bring the remedy in contact with the mites. In order to accomplish this the legs should be soaked for a sufficient time in warm water 60.— Scabies of (scaly leps). DISEASES OF POULTKV. 207 to which some soaji has been added. When thorongh- ly softened the loose scales may be removed without causing bleeding. Or, a coating of soft soaji maj' l)e applied to the affected ]:)arts, leaving it to act for from twelve to twenty -four hours. The legs are then placed in warm water and the scales softened and removed by gentle rubbing and traction. After this has been done the legs are dried and treated with a good coat of Helmerich's ointment, creolin ointment (1 to lo), carbolic ointment (l to lO), or balsam of Peru. The latter ma}^ be applied daily for three or four days, and is better ada])ted than the other remedies to the treat- ment of young or delicate birds, since it is equally efficacious in destroying the mites and has little if anj- injurious effect u])on the birds. The disease is not a difficult one to cure if the preliminary treatment is thorough and the loose scales and crusts are all re- moved. 208 DISICASItS OF POUI.TKY. CHAPTHR XI. Infectious Diseasks Having a Tkndkncy to AffivCT Mokk than One Set of Organs. TUBEKCCLOSI.S--DIPHTHHKIA, niPHTHKKlTIC KOUP— INFEC- TlOr.S I.El'K.KMIA 1"()\VI. CHOLKKA. TrBF;RCUI.OSIS. /^^^HKRE is frequent mention in medical litera- / \ ture of tuberculosis in birds. In Euroi)e ^^i^ this disease appears to be very common, and it is by no means rare in the laiited States, if the statements of our professional men are to be accepted. The observations recorded previous to 1884, and those made since that time, which are not based u])on the demonstration of the Bacillus tuboxu- losis, can not be accepted as perfectly reliable. There are a numlier of diseases in which the symptoms and ai)pearances of the diseased organs are so nearl}- alike that a microscopical examination must be made before their nature can be determined. The existence of tuberculosis is determined by the presence of the germ which produces it. Consequently, it is only since the characters of this germ were made known that we have been able to make a reliable diagnosis in sus- pected cases. Koch demonstrated beyond doubt the occurrence of tuberculosis in fowls, and observed that the Ijacilli were extraordinarily abundant in the nod- DISKASKS OK POULTRY. 209 iiles of the intestines and liver, and, also, in the con- tents of the intestines. Sutton ol)served tuberculosis in j^^rain -eating? birds of various parts of Euglaud and states that "the occurrence of tui)ercul()sis in these places may be re- garded as showing that it is probably met with in most i)arts of England." Nocard, a French veterinarian, says: "Tubercu- Fig-. 61.— Tubercular tumor of the winj,'. losis is a frequent disease with birds of the poultry - yard. It occurs with them in an epidemic form. It attacks fowls, pheasants, ])igeons, turkeys, peacocks, guinea fowls, etc., and it may even l)e produced in small birds experimentally." In 600 autopsies of fowls made by Zuern, presumal)ly in Germany, sixty - two, or ten per cent, were found tuberculous. In the cases reported in the United Slates there ap])ears to have ])een very few instances in which the diagnosis was confirmed by bacteriological e.xamina- tion and tl:e demonstration of the liacillus. Symptoms. — The sym]itoms wliich are observed in the tuberculosis of birds are common to other diseases, and, therefore, while they are valuable as an indication of the nature of the disease, they are not sufficient to permit an absolutely relial)le conclusion to be reached. There is rapid and progressive emaciation, made 210 DISKASFS Ol' I'ori.TKV. apparent liy the loss of weit^ht, wasting: of the ransclcs, and prominence of the ])ones. The comb becomes pale, llie bird loses its bright, animated ex- pression, and in the later stages becomes quite dull and sleepy. At this time a persistent diarrhea appears which increases in intensit}' until tlie subject dies from exhaustion. The symptoms just enumerated are those observed when the disease is confined to the internal organs. It often affects the joints and bones, when it is re- vealed by lameness, swellings of the joints and de- formities of the bones. Occasionally ulcers form, in the pus of which many bacilli are found. The skin and external mucous membranes are frequently affected with ]:)arrots Init more rarely with other birds. There are first seen small grajash eleva- tions which unite and form patches. Thick crusts form on these patches, becoming hard externally and soft and checsj^ next to tissues. If these crusts are removed a red granular surface is exposed. Some- times the crusts, particularly near the eye or mouth, become horny and develop into excrescences an inch or more in length. Appearance of thk Organs. — In poultry and pheasants the abdominal viscera are the most common seat of the disease. The liver is most frequently and most severely affected. The spleen is also very often attacked. These organs are enlarged and more or less filled with tubercles which may vary in size from small whitish or grayish points, to nodules the size of a pea, or to tumors the size of a walnut which are fibrous, firm and often softened at the center. The tubercles mav also be hard and calcareous. The liver is more DISEASES OF POULTRV. 211 friable than in health, and ruptures leading to fatal hemorrhages may occur. The peritoneum, or serous membrane of the abdominal cavity, may be covered with tubercles the size of a pin head or smaller; and when this occurs the abdomen usually contains more or less liquid. The intestinal walls are often thickened or ulcerated, and contain tuber- cles of various sizes. Sometimes these are so large that they diminish the caliber of the tube or entirely ob- struct it. The soft- ening and breaking down of the tuber- cles on the inner surface of the in- testine cause the ulcerations which are commonly seen in this disease, and from which the bacilli escape in incalculable numbers. The abdominal lymphatic glands ma\' he invaded by the tubercular process and enlarged to the size of an egg. Small tubercles, the size of a pin head or less, and sometimes larger tubercular masses, are occasionally found in the lungs, air-sacs, heart and pericardium, but these organs are more rarely affected than are those situated in the abdominal region. Generalized tuberculosis is not uncommon and in this form of the disease most or all of the organs of Fig'. 62. — Tubercular tumor of the head. 212 DISHASKS OF POULTRY. the body are affected — the tubercles beiiii^ found even in the interior of the bones. The joints are fretiuently the seat of tubercular in- flammation leading to swelling, abscesses, ulcers, fistulas and loss of movement. Swellings, ulcers, and cheesy formations are some- times seen about the mouth, eyes and nose, and horny excrescences may ai:)pear upon the skin of the head. These external mani- festations are the rule with i)arrots. Cause and Na- ture. — The tubercu- losis of birds, like that of mankind, is caused by a l)acillus. The bacillus of birds in a general way resembles that of man, but is larger, more vigorous and hard}', and grows Fig. 63.— Section of liver of bird affected better outside of the with tuberculosis, body. The disease is strictly contagious, and usually appears in a flock as a consequence of brin;- ing in new birds. That is, it results from contagion carried by birds from other diseased flocks. Many outl)reaks have been attributed to infection from eating the sputum of persons affected with co:i- sumjnion. The ]:)Ossibility of such infection is ad- DISKASES OF POULTRY 213 luiUcd 1)3' some authorities and denied by others. It is certain that poultry and pigeons are not easily in- fected experimentally with the tuberculosis of people, cattle and other animals which are classed together as mammals. This may sometimes be accomplished; but after one bird is infected in this way it is equally difficult to transmit the disease from this bird to other Fi;jr. 64.— Growth ol iioru from region of head affected with tuberculosis. birds. It appears, therefore, out of the question to produce a rapidly spreading outbreak of disease among fowls or pigeons ])y the use of human virus. The bird or avian tuberculosis spreads rapidly from bird to bird and is easil}^ transmitted experimentally to birds, but it has little effect upon most mammals which are very susceptible to human tuberculosis. There is, consequently, a marked difference between avian and mammalian tuberculosis. The disease in the two cases does not appear to be absolutely distinct, but should rather be regarded as two varieties of the same malady'. These varieties have been de- veloped because the bacilli have grown for a long series of years under different conditions. They may still possibly be changed from mammalian to avian 214 DISEASES OK POULTRY. and from avian to nianimalian, hut such a cliange cer- tainly would reciuire much time aud verj- favorable conditions. A very interesting fact is that parrots are usually affected with the mammalian form of tuberculosis. The disease is quite frequently seen in these birds and it shows a great cendency to develop externallj'. It most commonly affects the borders of the eyes and mouth, the skin and the joints of the feet. There are at first small swellings, some of which soften, dis- charge their contents and become ulcers; others re- main hard and continue to enlarge, while still others are covered b}' a horny growth of considerable thick- ness. When the feet are affected the joints swell and the bones are more or less deformed, leading many who are not well informed on the subject to consider the disease as simple gout. It has been shown b}^ experiments that it is very difficult to infect fowls and pigeons by inoculation from parrots, but ral)bits, guinea pigs and dogs read- ily contract the disease by such inoculation. It is concluded from the various facts which have been re- corded, that the tuberculosis of parrots is identical with tuberculosis or consumption in man ; that parrots are infected from diseased people and may in turn in- fect other people. The germs of the disease are found in enormous numbers in the discharge from the ulcers, in the secretion of the nasal passages and often in the excrement. The cages are soiled with these different excretions, which soon become dry, are re- duced to dust and then disseminated through the air of the apartment bj' the f^a]iping of the bird's wings. People breathing this atmosphere take the germs into their lungs and in that waj^ become infected. Other DISICASKS OF POUI/rKV. 215 species of cage birds may contract human tul)erculosis and distribute it in the same manner. On the other hand, as poultry and pigeons do not readily contract tul)erculosis from persons, it seems probable that mankind is in no great danger of be- coming infected from these birds. It is well to use reasonable precau- tions, however, when the disease is detected in the poultry-yard or pigeon -cote, as there are some cases recorded where it is believed that flocks of poul- try have been in- fected by eating the sjiutum of hu- man consumptives. When a bird is found to ])e diseased Vig. o5.— Tuberculosis of the foot (parrot). it should , of COUrSC, be safely disposed of at once ; but there is no reason for the alarm and panic which have been exhil^ited by some owners of flocks supposed to be affected. Di.\GNOSiS. — As there are a number of different conditions found in birds which simulate tuberculosis, it is well, when the disease is suspected, to have its identity confirmed by an expert. A microscopical examination showing the presence of the Bbacilhis tiibcrriilosis \^ i\\Q most reliable and satisfactory evi- dence. According to Nocard, the tuberculin test may be used as with cattle or other animals. The dose 216 DISEASES OF POULTRY. stateil ])>' liim is 5 to in ceiitij^ranm for fowls, piq^eons and pheasants, and 10 to 10 cenlig^ranis for geese, turkeys and peacocks. Treatment. — The eradication of tuberculosis in birds from an infected premises can only be attempted with a fair prospect of success when all the birds are sacrificed. Any individuals that are preserved are liable to have ulcerations of the intestines, from which the bacilli are constantly distributed. There should, consequenth', be no attemj^t to save any birds from an infected flock. When the birds are all killed and disposed of by burning or deeply burying, the premises should be carefullj' disinfected. The manure should be carefully scraped and swept together and saturated with a five- per-cent solution of carbolic acid or mixed with lime. The floors and woodwork of the houses should be washed with boiling water or with a hot solution of carbolic acid. The feeding troughs, drinking vessels and nests should be treated in the same manner. Any yards used for penning birds should be sprinkled with the carbolic acid solution. After the cleaning and disinfection is accomplished the premises should be opened to the sun and air for a month if possible before new birds are introduced. It is then a good plan to cover the walls and roosts with lime wash, to which 4 ounces of crude carbolic acid to the gallon has been added, and ventilate a few daj'S longer before the houses are used. Those who scrupulously enforce these measures may be reason- ably certain that the contagion will be destroyed and that the new flock may be safely introduced. DIPHTHERIA, DIPHTHERITIC ROUP. Among the several diseases which have been con- DISK ASKS OK POULTRY. 217 founded toi^ether l)}- modern writers under the general name of rouj), one of the most prevalent and destruc- tive is the diphtheria of l)irds, or diphtheritic roup. While some writers are of the opinion that contagious catarrh and diphtheria are caused by the same species of bacillus, differing only in the degree of virulence, the fact that in extensive outbreaks of the former disease there are apparently no diphtheritic membranes to be found, bears strongly against this theory and makes it desirable, at least for the present, to describe these different forms of disease separately. Tlie di])htheria of birds is a contagious disease which first affects the mucous membrane of the nasal passages, the eyes, the mouth, the pharynx and larynx an:l which may extend to the trachea, the bronchi, the air -sacs, the intestines and perhaps to other abdominal organs. The disease is characterized by a grayish -3^ellow filirinous exudate, called a / • « * * 1 e u c o c y t e s . As - * ^ « * • • the malady was « - found to be caused • * •>• • ♦ 1- * , * ♦ by a bacterium * % % and to be infec- tious, it was de- « \ cided to call it /;/ - Fig-. (i%.—Iiacttriiiin saiigitiuaiiuiii, bouiUon cul- JCCtlOUS It'llkcDJlia. ture, (mag^nified 2,0(X) diameters;. A Sufficient num- ber of cases have not j^et been studied to permit a satisfactory description to be written ; but such facts as have been noted are sunnnarized in this article. The disease has fre(|uenth' been mistaken for fowl cholera, and has been observed in Rhode Island, Maryland, District of Columbia, and Virginia. A very fatal outbreak of this disease has been observed by the author in a large brooder -house among in- cubator chickens from one to three weeks old. Symptoms. — The disease appears with a consider- able elevation of temperature, reaching three degrees or more above the normal. There is drowsiness and general debility, with paleness of the mucous mem- branes and also of the comb, wattles, and skin about the head. The fever is of a continuous type, DISEASKS OF POULTRY. generally resulting in death in from four to five days. In some cases the duration of the disease is longer and two or three weeks may elapse before the death of the bird. There is then excessive emaciation. A micro- scopic examination of the blood shows a marked diminution in the number of red corpuscles and an in- crease in the number of white ones. In one case the red corpuscles decreased from 3,744,000 per cubic millimeter to 2,133,000, and the white ones increased from 21.000 to 14 0,000. In another case the red cori^uscles Fig were diminished from 3,534,000 to 1,745,000, while the white ones increased from 19,000 to 245,000. There is loss of appetite with slight ruffling of the plumage, and the head drawn close to the body. There appears to be no diarrheal symptoms with this disease, or if ihe}^ are sometimes seen they \my be regarded as exce])tional. The period of incul)ation is from two to four days. The alterations discovered hy post))io>!ei>i examination are confined to the liver and the blood. The liver is somewhat enlarged and dark colored, and the surface is sprinkled with minute graj'ish areas. C.\us.\Tiox. — This disease is undoubtedly infectious and is caused by a micro-organism which Moore has named Ihu trn'iiin sa?i^iriii>ian'inu. This germ is a non- motile, rod -shaped organism, which as found in the 69. — Biiiteriuiii siiiigiiiiit)iii:iii from li^cr of fowl, mafftiified 2,000 diameters). DISEASES OF POULTKV. 229 tissues of fowls is from 1.2 to 1 .8 micro-niilliineters long and 1 to 1.3 micro -niillinieters l)roacl. It fre- quently appears in small clumps, but as a rule is in pairs united end to end. This germ is found in the blood and in various organs of the body. Exoerimentallj' the disease has been ]~)roduced b}^ inoculating with ])ure cultures of the germs and by feeding pure cultures or the organs of i affected fowls. The injection of 0.3 cubic centimeter of a fresh ^ culture into the wing vein caused the dis- ease and death in *^ /•'"■"'■■-, from three to thirteen ■f I { :j daj'S ; usuallv on the Fig-. IQ.—Boclcriioii saiigiiiiutriiini from hitll Or SlXtll day. spleen of rabbit. Feeding cultures or viscera of affected birds was followed by death in from seven to fifteen days, but only about half of the birds fed contracted the disease. Pigeons, rabbits, guinea pigs and mice contract the disease if inoculated with 0.2 to 0.3 cubic centimeter of culture and die within three to six days. It appears probable from these investigations that the contagion in natural out1)reaks is taken into the body with the food, but the disease is not readily propagated under sanitary conditions. Healthy fowls placed in cages with diseased ones did not in a single instance contract the disease. When cultures of the germs and diseased viscera were fed, only about oue- half of the fowls became affected. Xotvv'ithstandi ng this, nearly all of one flock of about fiftv fowls near 230 DISEASES OF POULTRY. Washington, I). C. died from this disease; nearly eighty hens and pullets were lost on a farm at Tackett Mills, Va. ; about fifty-five out of seventy died in a flock, on Block Island ; fifty old hens died on a farm in Maryland near Washington ; and several thousand small chickens died in a broiler -raising establishment in the same section. These instances are mentioned to show the destructiveness of the disease under conditions favoralde to its propagation. The germ can not be considered a very virulent one, how- ever, and, as sug- gested b}^ Moore, the outbreaks ap- pear to occur where the requirements of ordinary hygiene are not strictly complied with. In other words, this malady may be looked upon as a filth disease, and as the germ resembles in some respects the common intestinal germ known as the Bacilhts coli communis, it is not improbable that outbreaks may occur from filth without the necessity of importing the contagion upon a premises. In the brooder -houses above re- ferred to, the brooders were not bedded with sand as they should be, but the chicks were placed directl}^ upon the wooden floors, which became saturated with the droppings. In the high temperature necessarily maintained in the brooders, the decomposition of such Flff. 71. — /liiiliiiiiiii siiiigiiiiiiiiiinii in c.ipillary of fowl's liver, (nia^iiilied 2,l'uO diameier?-.) DISEASES OF POULTRY. 231 organic material was rapid, and tlic chicks wereex- l)osed both to the fonl ■ the coutrii)iitious of Pasteur, who, in 1880, cultivated the germ in chicken broth and showed that its virulence might l)e reduced to such an extent that it could safely be used for vaccination. This is the first case in which a virulent gernl was success- fully modified in a laboratory and made to act as a vaccine. It led to the preparation of vaccines for a number of diseases, more particularly anthrax, black quarter, and rabies. The disease was at about the same time investigated by the author, who gave special attention to vaccina- tion and the effect of disinfectants in destroying this virus. General Characters. — Fowl cholera attacks all varieties of domesticated poultry — chickens, ducks, geese, pigeons, turkeys, and also caged birds such as parrots and canaries. It also affects some species of wild birds. The infection generally occurs b}' taking food or drink contaminated with the excrement of sick birds. It is, also, possible for birds to be infected through wounds of the skin or by inhalation of the germs in the form of dust suspended in the air. They often take the germs into their bodies by consuming i^arti- cles of flesh or blood from the carcasses of affected birds that have died or have been killed. This disease is generally introduced upon a farm, or in a locality, with new l)irds purchased for improv- ing the flocks, or with eggs for hatching. When it exists in a district it may be disseminated by wild animals or wild birds. Fowl cholera is communicable by inoculation to rabbits and mice. Guinea pigs are not verj- suscepti- ble; the young animals may die but the adult ones 234 DISK ASKS OF POULTRY. usually have nothing more than an abscess at the ])oint of inoculation. Symptoms. — This disease as it occurs in ICurojie is more rapid in its course and differs somewhat in its symptoms from outbreaks which the author has ob - served in the I'nited States. The incubation in Eurojie is placed at 8 to 16 hours. In the case of 40 fowls inoculated by the author, the average period of incubation was 8 days, and it varied from 4 to 20 days. The virus evidently varies in its activity in this country. The duration of the disease, also, varies. With the 40 cases mentioned above it averaged 3 days. The sick birds generally stop eating or the appetite is lessened, though occasionally they continue to eat almost to the time of death. The earliest indication of the disease, is a yellow coloration of the urates, or that part of the excrement which is excreted b}- the kidneys. This is in health a pure white, though it is frequently tinted with yellow as the result of other disorders than cholera. While, thefefore, this yellow- ish color of the urates is not an absolutely certain proof of cholera, it is a valuable indication when the disease has appeared in a flock and an effort is being made to check its course by isolating birds as soon as possible after infection. In a few cases the first symptom is a diarrhea in which the excrement is passed in large quantities and consists almost entireh' of white urates mixed with colorless mucus. Generally, the diarrhea is a prom- inent symptom. The excrement is voided frequently and consists largelj^ of urates suspended in a thin, transparent, sometimes frothy mucus. The urates have a deep yellow color, which in the later stages of DISEASKS OF POULTRY. 235 the disease maj- chanj^e to greenish or even a deep green . Very soon after these first symptoms api)ear the bird separates itself from the flock, it no longer stands erect, the feathers are roughened or stand on end, the wings droop, the head is drawn down towards the body and the generr.l outline of the l)ird becomes spherical or ball -shaped. At this period, there is great weakness, the affected bird l)ecomes drowsy and ma}' sink into a sleep which lasts during the last day or two of its life, and from which it is almost impossible to arouse it. The crop is nearly always distended with food and apparently paralysed. There is in most cases intense thirst. If the birds are aroused and caused to walk there is at first an abundant discharge of excrement followed at short intervals by scanty evacuations. With the beginning of diarrhea the body tempera- ture rises to 109 degrees or 110 degrees F., which is 2 degrees to 4 degrees above the normal. The comb loses its bright hue and becomes pale and bloodless. In Europe the comb is described as dark blue, purple, or black, and some writers in the United States have referred to it in the same terms, but the author has never observed a dark comb in the cases he has seen. Diseased birds rapidly lose in weight, they are so weak that a ^light touch causes them to fall over, and they walk with great difhcult^^ Death may occur without a struggle or there ma}' be convulsive move- ments and cries. This disease may rai)idly run through a flock de- stroying the greater part of the birds in a week, or it may assume a more chronic form, extend slowly, and 236 DISEASKS OF rOUI.TRY. remain ii])on the premises for several weeks or montlis. Postmortem Appearances. — The comb is pale and bloodless, but neither dark nor dark lilue, as it has often been described, jiarticularly in Europe. The superficial blood vessels generally contain l)ut little blood, and there are in most cases soiled feathers about the anus, to which the excrement may adhere in con- siderable (luantity. The liver in nearly every case is enormousl}' en- larged, softened, with blood vessels very apparent, often of a very dark or dark -green color. The gall bladder is distended with thick, dark bile. The crop is generally' distended with food, though no special lesions have been noticed here The stom- ach, viewed externally, often presents a number of circular discolorations about one -tenth of an inch in diameter, which on section are found to be small clots of extravasated blood. The small intestines are con- gested . The rectum and cloaca generally present deep red lines upon their mucous membrane, evidentlj' the first stage of inflammation, which results, in chronic cases, in thickening of the walls, especially of the rectum, the desquamation of the mucous membrane, and the formation of large ulcerous surfaces. The mesenter}' is generally congested, often greatly thickened and rendered opaque b}^ inflammation. The ureters are distended with 3'ellow urates ; the kidneys seem engorged, and on section accumulations of the tenacious, yellow urates are frequently seen. The spleen is generally normal in size and appearance, though frequently enlarged and softened. The pericardium is sometimes distended with effu- DISKASKS OV POULTRY. 237 sion, in which case there is noticeable hypenemia of the surface of the heart. The lungs are often, though not generally, engorged with dark blood; they are seldom, if ever, hepati/.ed. The blood vessels are sometimes filled with a firm dot, and contain but little liquid ; at other times the blood does not coagulate at all. It seems to be those cases where the duration of the disease has been long- est, in which the blood loses its property of coagu- lation. The brain, in the case examined, was either normal ornot very perceptibly altered. The muscles at the seat of inoculation are generally reddened, though sometimes perfectly normal. Causation.— The cause ;^ of fowl cholera is a minute germ which under the microscope presents either a circular or oval outline. It is one of the bacteria and has been called by some a micrococcus, and by others a bacillus. It is about one fifty -thou- sandth of an inch broad and two or three times as long. It grows best at from 85 degrees to 105 degrees F. It has no power of movement, does not form spores, and is easily destroyed by drying, by the ordinary disinfectants, and by a temperature of 132 degrees F. for 15 minutes. In the experiments of the author it was found that the virus was destroyed by salicylic acid 1 percent; Fig-. "2.— BaciHiof fowl cholera. 238 DISKASKS OF POULTRY. benzoic acid 1 i^er cent; carbolic acid 1 i>er cent; sulphuric acid '.• per cent. vSubstances which failed to destroy the virulence were alcohol 20 per cent; ])oric acid 2 per cent; sulphate of potassium 2 per cent; iodine 0.1 per cent. This germ may gain entrance to the body through the digestive tract, the respiratory organs, or through wounds of the skin. It diffuses itself through the blood, multiplying in this liquid, and in all of the liquids and organs of the body. Death is caused in acute cases by the toxic substances produced during the multiplication of the germ, and in chronic cases, by the distur])ances of digestion, assimilation and nutrition. The meat of infected and even of dead birds has been eaten in Some countries without injurious effects to the consumers. It is assumed, therefore, that such meat is innocuous ; but its sale should be prohibited in common with all meat from sick animals, or from those which have died from natural causes. The germ of fowl cholera is fatal to rabbits, causing death in from twelve to forty -eight hours. When inoculated upon guinea pigs, sheep, horses and mankind, an abscess forms at the point of inoculation, but there are no general symptoms and recovery soon follows. Trk.\tmkxt. — All forms of medical treatment for cholera have been unsatisfactory when tested suffici- ently to prove their exact effects. Many preparations have been recommended, but their sanguine discover- ers had not been careful to ascertain that they really were treating cholera, or they had tried them on so few birds that their results were uutrustworlhy. The drugs most frequently used are suljihur, DISKASKS OF POULTRY. 239 coi)iKTas, caiisicum, alum and resin, given either alone or mixed together. The effect of these remedies is either stimulating or astringent or both according to the combination that is used. Some rec-" ommeiid a solution made by diluting one dram of carbolic or hydrochloric acid with one quart of water. This is given to adult birds in the dose of a dessert- spoonful. We would not advise our readers to put much confidence in internal medication. The proper manner of comijating cholera is to carry out strict sanitary ]irecautions. Rememlier that it is a contagious disease and that it depends upon germs which are in some way brought ui^on the premises from some other place where the disease exists. The contagion ma}' be carried in various ways. Sometimes it is brought with newly ])urchased birds; sometimes it comes with eggs ; sometimes it is carried by wild birds, and sometimes it is transported ])y animals. The poultryman must guard against the introduction of contagion into his flock by all means at his com- mand. He must isolate and (juarantine newly pur- chased birds for two weeks before they are mixed with his flock. If he hatches eggs from other yards, the nest and the young birds must be kept isolated until it is known that the}' are healthy, that is until the chicks are ten daj-s old. Dogs and other animals should be fenced out of the poultry' -yards if possilde. Birds which have been exhibited at shows should be cjuarantined for ten days after their return. ShouUl the disease appear in spite of precautions, isolate and disinfect. The isolation need not require a wide separation of the birds. Ten feet is sufficient distance to ])revent the communication of this con- 240 DISKASES OK POULTRY. taj^ioii, if it is not carried in some way from pen to pen by the attendant or by animals. It does not Sjiread to any a])precia])le distance through the at- mosphere. Disinfection. — Disinfection shonld be constant wliile this disease is on the premises. For this pur- pose a solution may be made by mixing one pound of carbolic acid with twenty -four pounds, or say twelve quarts, of hot water. Or one pound of sulphuric acid to fifty quarts of water may be used. The latter is the cheapest but it is more dangerous to use. When the sulphuric acid is purchased have the druggist dilute it with twice its weight of water. If thus diluted it will not burn the flesh or clothing as severely as when concentrated and there is little danger of an explosion when it is further diluted. When diluting it, always pour the acid very slowly into a compara- tively large quantity of water, being careful that it does not splash into the eyes, and remember that con- siderable heat results. A wooden bucket is, therefore, better than a glass bottle, and, on account of its cor- rosive nature, metal vessels can only be used for the most dilute solution. If carefully used with proper ]irecautions to prevent it flying into the face or eyes when diluting, sulphuric acid is the most satisfactory disinfectant. If any gets upon the flesh, apply large quantities of w^ater at once, or it will burn very deeply; if it reaches the clothing it causes discolora- tion and soon destroys the fabric. It may be neutral- ized with ammonia or a solution of baking soda. With this digression concerning disinfectants we will now return to the methods of disinfecting. If possi- ble move the fowls to new runs and new houses when cholera appears among them. Before they are moved. DISEASES OF POULTRY. 241 however, separate all which are apparently sick and ])Ut these by themselves. Now saturate the floor of the old house and all of the manure which is ahout it with one of the disinfectants just mentioned. This may be applied convenientl}' with a watering can such as is used for waterino: flowerbeds or gardens. The healthy fowls of the flock should be confined to a small run, and this as well as the iioultry -house should be disinfected by sprinkling at least once a da}'. The drop])ings should be swept up, disinfected and removed every day. The Ijuildings should be well whitewashed and the disinfecting effect of this aj^plication may be increased by adding one quarter of a ])ound of carbolic acid to each gallon of lime. Ekadic.vtixc, Cholera — The fowls should be carefully watched and if any show signs of disease they should be removed at once. It is possible to arrest an outbreak of fowl cholera in a very short time by adopting such measures. If they are ])ersevered in for two or three weeks without any more birds be- coming sick the danger may be considered at an end. The difficulty of arresting outbreaks of cholera is usually due to the fowls being allowed to roam over an unlimited range. By the time the disease is recog- nized, the contagion is widely scattered through the droppings of the affected birds. It is, of course, im- possible to disinfect a large range, and, conseciuenlly, the birds continue to pick up the infection and one after another contract the disease until the greater jiart is lost. If it is decided to kill sick birds in order to get rid of the contagion as rajiidly as possible, dig a deep hole, put the birds into it and kill them there, so that their bodies and lilood will be buried together. Other- 242 DISKASliS OF rOUI.TRY. wise the l)lood, which is very virulent, may remain on the surface of the ground to cause another out- break of the disease. The birds which die from cholera should in all cases be cremated or deeply buried. X'ACCi.NA'riON.— \'accination can not be recom- mended as a preventive. The susceptiljility of differ- ent breeds of birds varies to such an extent that a vaccine which is safe for one miy be deadly for another. If we had only one breed of birds to deal with there is little dou])t but that vaccination would be ada])ted to it and made a ])ractical preventive; but with so many breeds, each varyinj:^ from the other, the task of the vaccinator is discourai^ing. An interesting discovery in this connection was made bj' Dr. Kitt, a Oernian \-eterinarian. Kitt found that the eggs of fowls that had been made im- mune to cholera contain something analogous to antitoxin, which may be used to produce immunity in other birds. He injects from one to two and one- quarter drams of the white of the eggs under the skin of the bird to be ]:)rotected. From what we know concerning the antitoxins of other diseases, it is probable that such eggs wo.ild be more useful in treat- ing sick birds than in vaccinating well ones against the disease. It would not be a difficult matter to vaccinate or inoculate a number of hens until they had a very high degree of immunity, and their eggs should then, ac- cording to this doctrine, be of great remedial value. For valuable birds this treatment might be of service, but it is doulitful if there would ever be sufficient call for the remedy to warrant any one in making the necessary preparations to supi)ly it when needed. DlSHASKS Ol'' POUI/l*KV. 243 CHAPTER XII, InjurioUvS Habits ok \'ick.s. EOG KATTNC, — KRATHKK IvATlNC, I'RATHl'.W IMT.IJNG EGG EATING. ®NE of the most troublesome and injurious of the acquired habits of poultry is egg eating. Undoubtedly the habit begins in most cases by the accidental breaking of an eg^ in the nest, but it rapidly spreads among the flock until a large proportion of the eggs laid are purposely broken and eaten by the hens. The heavy breeds of fowls are most subject to this habit because they more frequently break their eggs by stepping upon them than do lighter birds. When an €:gg is broken it is too tempting a morsel to be left in the nest. The hen not only eats it, but often carries large pieces of the shell about the house or grounds, pursued by other members of the tlock, each of which wants a portion. In this manner a number of individuals soon learn how a])peti7,ing.are eggs and egg shells, and each in turn becomes a teacher of others. It is plain that whatever conditions contribute to the breaking of eggs in the nests may be considered as causes of the habit. Thin -shell eggA are easily broken, and, hence, a deficiency of shell-forming constituents in the ration may be a cause. In other cases an egg may be broken for want of sufficient 2 1 1 ])I.si:asi:s oi- i'oii.tky. straw in tin- ncsl lo prolecl il Iroin (lii\cl coiilat-l with the wood. To oruard aj^ainst the formation of the ei^j^ -eating lial)it the fowls should have plenty of lime, oyster- shells, bone, or similar sul)stances to ensure a firm shell u])on the eggs. The nests should be iJroperly supplied with straw, and artificial nest eggs should be used. In this way the danger of breaking eggs is reduced to a minimum. It is, also, well to have the nests rather dark so that if an egg is accidentally broken the hen will not discover it. When the habit has been once acquired, these ])re- cautions are not always sufficient, and it may be necessary to construct the nests so that the eggs will roll beyond the reach of the hen. Some people place artificial eggs in the nests and aliout the houses so that the hens may peck at them and get the idea that they are no longer able to break egg shells. Others blow out the contents of a few eggs through a small hole in the shell and fdl the space with a paste con- sisting largely of mustard, capsicum, aloes or other disagreeable compounds and leave these where the hens will find them. Under any circumstances, it is best to remove the egg eaters from the remainder of the flock, and, unless they are very valuable, to kill them for the table. If they are too valuable for this treatment, then dark nests or those in which the egg rolls into a safe recep- tacle are the only resources. FE.\THER K.\TING, FK.\THER PULLING. Fowls often acquire the habit of pulling out and eating either their own feathers or the feathers of other members of the flock. This vice is acquired most frequently in the Spring or at molting time. The Dlill'lASlvS OF POl'I.TKV. 215 first indication that the l)ir(ls arc i)ullin.i; luatlicrs is the loss of plumaj^c, l)arencss and redness of the skin over the posterior i)art of the hack. Sometimes the skin has become al)raded by repeated peckin-; and sores resnlt. If the birds are watched carefully, they will be seen to catch one or more feathers in their beaks, tear them out and swallow them. They are apparently most fond of the youno^, growin.LC feathers, the quills of which are filled with blood. Various causes have been assigned for this habit, the most probable being improper rations and insuflficient exercise or idleness. In some instances, it may originate from irritation of the skin caused by animal parasites. In general, it may be said that anything which ])roduces an abnormal appetite predisposes to feather eating. As preventive measures, the birds should be given a free run or they should at least be made to scratch for a large part of their food. This exercise improves their digestion and gives them something to occupy tlicir time. As in some cases, the habit is due to in- sufhcient animal matter in the ration or to feeding too long on a single kind of grain, particularly corn, one of the first measures adopted should be a well balanced ration containing skim milk, meat, bone, vegetables or green feed and frequently varied. The Geneva, N. Y. experiment station applied to the feathers lard or \aseline in which powdered aloes had been mixed and after continuing this treatment for some time the habit disappeared. This success was thought to be due to the disagreeable taste of the aloes. It is some trouble to apply this mixture, how- ever, and unless the fowls are of particular value, it is probably better to rely upon exercise, variety of 246 I)1Si;asks of rour.TkV. food and st-paration of the most inveterate subjects. The skin and feathers should be carefully examined for lice and miles, and it these are found the remedies recommended for such i)arasites should be applied. As lack of grit may be the cause of indigestion, this essential element of the ration should receive atten- tion, and it is well to give 6 or 8 grains daily of a mixture of equal i>arts of powdered gentian root and ginger. The birds should also ])e examined for in - teslinal ])arasites. -PALIFC disi';asi';s oi- ron.TKv. INDEX. 247 Abscesses, Deep Bruises anil, 203 Air Passaces, Mvcosisol' the, 56 Air Sac Mite, Tlie, (.1 Aiipitia, Croupous, 76 Anomalies in EfrtJ' Production, 154 AphllKv, Thrush, 72 Apoplexy. 160 Appetite, Aberration of the, S3 Appetite, Abnormal, 83 Ascites, 129 Aspertjillosis, S(i, 75 Asthenia, (loiufir Liyht, OO Atroi)hy of the Ovary, 147 Atrophv or Wasting- of the Liver, 132 1! Beak, Obstruction of the. 60 Hlack Head, 103 Brain, Contjestion of the, 159 Brain, Hemorrhag'e of the, 160 Bronchitis, 37 Bronchitis, Verminous Tracheo-40 Bruises and Abscesses, Deep, 203 C Catarrh, Contat^ious. 31 Catarrh, Gastro-Intestinal, 88 Catarrh, Simple. 29 Chicken Pox. 192 Cholera, Eradicatingr. 241 Cholera, Fowl, 232 Cholera, Vaccination for, 242 Cloaca, Obstruction of the, by Uri- nary Concretions, 140 Cloacilis, 153 Congestion of the Lunfrs;. 51 Congestion, Pulmonary, 51 Constipation, 90 Corns, 202 Crop, Catarrh of the, 7x Cro]), Impacted, SO Crop, Inflammation of the, 7S Crop, Obstructed. SO Crop. Paralysis of the. 80 I) Diarrhea. Simple, SS Dig-estive Org-ans. General Re- marks Concern intr the. 66 Diphtheria. 74. 216 Diphtheritic Roup. 216 Disease. Common Causes of. 17 Disinfection, 20 Dropsy. Abdominal, 129 Dropsy of the Heart Sac, 162 ICtre Bound, 151 Kfftr Katiny, 243 Hire's. Incomplete nr Aborted. 157 K'jg Incubated in the f>\iduct. 154 Eg-gs. Parasites in, 155 Egg- Production, Anomalies in, 154 Etrgs, Santruineous, 1=6 Etrtrs Within E^rgs, 158 Eggs Without Shells, 156 Eggs with Two Yolks, 157 Endocarditis, lfi3 Enteritis, SS Enteritis, Bacterial, 94 Enteritis, Gastro- SS Enteritis, Toxic Gastro-92 Enteritis. Psorospermic. 100 Epizoa or Parasites Living Upon the External Surface of the body. 165 Epilepsy, 160 E Favus. 187 Feather Eating, 244 Feather Pulling, 244 Feet, Diseases of the, 200 Fowf Cholera, 232 Fowl Cholera, (ieneral Characters, 233 Fowl Cholera, History of, 232 Fowl Cholera, Vatcination for, 242 Cr Gangrene of the Ovary, 148 (iangrene of the Oviduct, 152 Gapes, The, 40 (iastritis. 84 Going Light, Asthenia, 99 (iout. Rheumatism and, 199 H Health and Disease, 14 Heart, Hyoertrophy of the, 163 Heart, Inflammation of the Inter- nal Membrane of the, 163 Heart. Rupture of the, and Large Blood Vessels. 164 Heart Sac, Dropsy of the, 162 Hemorrhage of the Brain, 160 Hepatitis, 131 Hepatitis of Turkeys, Infectious Entero- 103 Hvgienic Reciuirements, 18 Hyperiemia, Cerebral, 159 Hvpertrophv or Enlargement of the Testicles, 141 I Icterus, 131 Infections Entero- Hepatitis of Turkeys. 103 Infectious Leukaemia. 226 Intestinal Obstruction. 90 Intestines. Parasites of the, 114 J.'iundi 148 DISl-'.ASl'.S OV POUKTKY Kidiipys. Abscess of the, IS** Kidnovs, liitlaniniation of llic, 137 L La\ iMtr, DilVicull, 151 Ir Wastiiit' o( tin-. 132 Liver, Coiiy-estioti of the. 13(i Liver, Diseases of the, 129 Liver, Fatty, 134 Liver, Faltv Deceiicratiuii of tlie, 133 Livi-r. Iiillaniiiiat ion of the, 131 Liver, Tuberculosis of tlie. 134 Lung's, Conjrestiou of the. 51 LiuiK's, Iiillaniinatioii of the, 53 M Medical Treatnienl. Objects of. 22 Mucus Membrane of the Moutli. Inflammation of the. 70 Mycosis of the Air Passafjes, 56 Nephritis, Parenchymatous, 137 O Objects of Medical Treatment, 22 Oesophajrus, Parasites of the, 112 Orpans and Apparatus and their Functions, The. 15 Ovary, Atrophy of the, 147 Ovary, Gaufrrene of the. 14s Ovarv. Tumors of the. 14.s Oviduct, Eptr Incubated in the, 154 Oviduct. Ganprene of the, 152 Oviduct. Inflammation o{ the. 14') Oviduct, Obstruction of the, 151 Oviduct. Prolapsus or Eversion of the, 150 Ovid\]Ct, Rupture of the, 152 P Parasites in Epcrs, 155 Parasites of the Intestines and Peritoneum, 114 P.irasites Livinsr upon the External Surface of the Body, Epizoa or, 165 P.irasites of the Oesophajrus and Stomach, 112 Parasites of the Peritoneum. 114 Parasitic Worms which Infest the Dig-estive Apparatus, 111 Pericarditis, 162 Pericardium, Inflammation of the, 162 I'rritoneum, Inflammation of the. 127 Peritoneum. Parasites of ilie. 114 Peritoneum, Tuberculosis of the. 134 Peritonitis. 127 Peritonitis, Chronic, 12'' Pharynx, Obstruction of the, 77 Pi),'e.".n Pox, 102 Pip, 70 Pneumonia, .53 Poultry Industry, The, 13 I'rolapsus or Eversion of the Oviduct, 1.50 Proventriculus. Catarrh of tlie. H4 Psorospermosis, 74 1< Repletion. I5iliary. 131 Reproduction, Female Org-ans of, 142 Reproduction, Male Ortrans of, 140 Res])iration. Structure and Func- tion of the f)rtfans of. 26 Rheumatism and Gout. I'f Roup. Contatrious Catarrh, 31 Roup. Diphtheritic. 216 Rupture of the Heart and Large Blood Vessels. 164 Rupture of the Oviduct, 152 S Scabies Caused by Epidermoptes. 1.S3 Scabies Caused by Sarcoptes, 1J<4 Scabies, Depluniintr, 1M4 .Scabies of the Lej^s and Feet. 204 Scabies or Manijre of the Body, 1^3 Scalv Leys, 2(4 Sore Head. 1<»2 Sores, Superficial, 202 Spleen, Tuberculosis of the, 134 Stomach, Inflammation of the. 84 Stomach, Parasites of the, 112 Stomatitis. Catarrhal, 70 Synjjraniosis, 40 Syngamus Bronchialis, 51 T Tieniasis, Nodular, of Fowls, The, 123 Testicles, Cancer of the, 142 Testicles, Fatty Degeneration of the. 142 Testicles. Hypertrophy or Enlarge- ment of the. 141 Thrush. Aphthie. 72 Tuberculosis. 20S Tuberculosis of the Liver, Spleen, and Peritoneum. 134 Tumors of the Ovary. 14« U Urination, Brief Description of the Organs of, 136 V Vaccination for Fowl Cholera, 242 Vent Gleet, 153 Vertigo, 159 W Worms. I'arasitic. which Infest the Digestive Apparatus. Ill UNIVERSITY ^^r.w^is^ jy UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA l.IBUAUY r', THIS BOOK IS DUE ON THE LAST DATE STAMPED BELOW MN IS mt j-«^f^V- > Q IntViffyv w^