COCCIDIOSIS OF THE FOWL. 817 



as these are parasiticides, antiseptics, and sedatives, and also check the 

 diarrhoea which so exhausts and debilitates the bird. The dose varies 

 from 1 grain to 3, accordino- to the size of the bird and frequency of 

 administration. The powder may be given as a pill, and along with 

 either castor or olive oil (i-1 teaspoonful). 



A tonic and an astringent, such as iron sulphate, can be given in 

 the form of Douglas' mixture. This is prepared by dissolving one 

 ounce of iron sulphate in a quart of water, then add one drachm of 

 diluted sulphuric acid, and of this mixture put two teaspoonfuls in 

 a quart of drinking water, which must be kept in a shady spot. The 

 drinking vessel should be of earthenware or enamel. 



Another remedy that has given considerable satisfaction is the 

 addition of powdered catechu to the drinking water, in the proportion 

 of 15 grains of catechu to a gallon of water; continue for fourteen 

 days and at the end of that time very few or no parasites at all should 

 be present in the faeces. 



It must be remembered that the birds are extremely anaemic and 

 in a weakened state, therefore diet must be liberal and nourishing; 

 finely chopped or minced meat, boiled linseed, etc., should not be 

 omitted. 



Preventive Treatment. — In dealing with this disease it is 

 important to remember that the excreta of diseased birds contains the 

 parasites. To eradicate this complaint the following directions should 

 be strictly adhered to : — 



(1) All dead birds to be buried deeply or destroyed by burning. 



(2) It is known that coccidia live for twelve months, possibly 

 much longer, after having been evacuated by an extremely infected 

 bird. It is therefore difficult to disinfect a poultry-run and a change 

 to fresh ground is necessary. If. hov/ever, the infected stock is moved 

 to fresh ground that ground will rapidly become infected. The old 

 stock should, therefore, be left where it is, any birds which show 

 symptoms of the disease being promptly killed. Only newly hatched 

 chicks' should be placed on the new ground, and all brooders, coops, 

 feeding and watering utensils should be thoroughly disinfected before 

 use. There must be no communication with the old infected yard. 

 In this connection it must be remembered that a person may 

 unknowingly convey infected material to the new " run " on his boots. 



(3) If hens are used for hatching there is a danger that they may 

 infect the chicks; incubators are preferable, but, if hens are used, 

 then broody hens must be secured from a clean brood. 



(4) If these suggestions cannot be carried out, or if fresh ground 

 cannot be provided, the best procedure is 



(o) to kill all birds exhibiting the first symptoms of the 



disease ; 

 (h) to take off about three inches of the top soil of the most 



frequented parts of the runs and disinfect or burn it ; 



(c) to disinfect thoroughly all houses, roosts, laying houses, 



food and water utensils ; 



(d) to use only healthy hens for setting; and 



(e) to place eggs in a solution of 90 per cent, alcohol or first 



wash in methylated spirits, allow to dry, and then dip 

 in perchloride of mercury (1-2000) before setting them. 



