492 IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 



blackhead and cholera, in which the liver is often involved, should not be 

 mistaken for simple liver trouble, and if there is any reason to believe a 

 contagious disease is present a positive diagnosis should be made by a 

 veterinarian. 



Control and Prevention. — Simple liver trouble may result from several 

 causes. Lack of evercise during the winter and heavy feeding, especially 

 on rich feeds, bring it about most frequently. It can be largely prevented 

 by feeding a suitably compounded ration in a deep litter to induce plenty 

 of exercise. Green feed is also valuable in preventing its appearance and 

 may tend to check its development. Epsom salts administered as indicated 

 for diarrhoea twice a week may prove beneficial. Exercise and fresh air 

 are essential. In case any number of birds show symptoms of the disease, 

 change the feeding system and the habits of the birds as much as possible. 

 Feed a ration not too high in animal foods and corn. For individual birds, 

 a % grain dose of calomel given once a day and followed by V^ teaspoonful 

 of Epsom salts in a few hours may prove beneficial. 



HOW TO DISINFECT. 



In cleaning up a house in which disease has been present, thorough- 

 ness is essential. No crevice or corner may be overlooked, for disease 

 can remain dormant for long periods only to break out again when it 

 is uncovered by some ambitious hen. Nests, roosts and all portable 

 fixtures must be removed and disinfected outside. Clean out all the 

 litter and droppings and sweep out the dust and cobwebs. Then with a 

 force spray pump (preferably a barrel spray) thoroughly soak the interior, 

 including the floor and roof, with a strong disinfectant. The following may 

 be used with good results: 



Stock Dip or Commercial Disinfectants. — For general disinfecting in case 

 of minor ailments, use as recommended by manufacturers. For cholera or 

 tuberculosis they may best be used double strength. For mites, use about 

 one gallon of dip to 10 or 15 gallons of water. 



Lime Sulphur Whitewash — A satisfactory whitewash, which is also a 

 strong disinfectant, may be made up as follows and best be applied with a 

 spray pump. 



1% pecks rock lime 4 gallons lime sulphur solution 



2 pounds salt 40 gallons water 



Slack the lime in 4 gallons of water and add the salt. Allow this to 

 stand for several hours, stirring occasionally until a smooth cream of 

 lime is formed. When ready to spray, mix with the lime sulfur solu- 

 tion and fill up the barrel with water. 



