490 IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 



In case individual treatment is desired for especially valuable birds, 

 put them in a dry, airy coop and proceed as follows: Scrape off all deposits 

 In the mouth and throat and open the eye and nostrils by soaking in warm 

 water; remove the scabs from exposed sores on the head and face and touch 

 with a disinfectant undiluted; immerse the head of the bird in a warm 

 saturated solution of potassium permanganate, holding until the bird 

 struggles violently; or turn the bird on its back and pour the solution into 

 the slit in the roof of the mouth until the nasal passages are flooded; feed 

 lightly and repeat the treatment as often as necessary. 



DIARRHOEAS. 



There are various kinds of diarrhoeas that are apt to occur in the 

 poultry flock. Some are contagious, being caused by specific organisms, 

 while others are digestive disorders caused by irregularities in the feeding 

 or management. When diarrhoea appears, besides isolating the sick birds 

 and taking precautions against its spread by cleaning up the house and 

 controlling the feed and water, the following suggestions may be followed 

 to advantage: 



1. Change the feeding system. Give wheat bran in a hopper, allow- 

 ing the birds to help themselves. Give all the buttermilk or sour milk 

 the birds will drink. 



2. Give Epsom salts. One-half pound per 100 birds given in wet mash 

 is the usual dose. For individuals, 14 teaspoonful dissolved in warm water 

 may be given. 



3. Disinfect the drinking water. Potassium permanganate added until 

 a deep purple color is reached is especially good for young chicks. Bichloride 

 of mercury used as in roup for old stock is very effective. Bichloride of 

 mercury is a deadly poison and the utmost care in its use must be exer- 

 cised. Do not use either of these medicines in metal vessels or drinking 

 fountains. 



Hyposulphite of soda often proves beneficial. Use several small crystals 

 the size of a pea to a quart of water. 



4. Control the food and water supply. Don't allow the birds to get 

 their feet into either the feed trough or water dish, as many diseases are 

 spread in that way. 



CHOLERA. 



Cholera is a highly contagious and fatal disease. It is characterized by a 

 high mortality and rapid death. Affected birds usually die in a short time 

 after exhibiting symptoms of the disease. Some birds never show any ex- 

 ternal symptoms, but drop dead in an apparently healthy condition. Others 

 develop a less acute form and may linger for several days before dying. 



Symptoms and Post Mortem Examination. — In the chronic cases the 

 symptoms, while not always reliable, may indicate the presence of the dis- 

 ease. The bird becomes inactive and separates itself from the rest of the 

 flock. The feathers are ruffled and the appetite is poor, but intense thirst 

 may be exhibited. A greenish yellow color in the droppings is often noted, 

 but this may be present in other diseases, so it is not a positive sign of 

 cholera. Diarrhoea is usually present and the bird becomes extremely 

 weak. It sits with the eye closed and breathes with difficulty. A thick 

 mucus may be present in the mouth and throat. 



