Depluming Scabies in Fowls. 6i 



Up to tliree drams may be given, but in all cases I have known, 

 fifteen grain doses are sufficient, and more simply produce collapse. 

 This can of course always be counteracted by administering 

 stimulants." * 



The importance of Thymol as a nematocide is now well-known, 

 it being especially valuable for the armed sclerostomes that cause 

 often fatal epizootics in studs in this country. 



Depluming Scabies {Sarcoptes Icems) in Fowls. 



Amongst the enquiries regarding animal parasitic diseases was 

 one from Mr. K. J. J. Mackensie, Lecturer on I'oultry-keeping to the 

 Suffolk County Council, regarding Depluming Scabies in Fowls. 

 Feathers were sent from birds suffering from an ailment with symp- 

 toms pointing to this disease. An examination of the feathers sent 

 did not reveal any Sarcoptes Iccvis. This mite, which produces the 

 acariasis, ending in loss of feathers, lives at the base of the quills 

 amongst a white powdery substance. The feathers sent had broken 

 off close to their roots, and any powdery substance attached would 

 have gone. As far as one can say without definite proof (i.e. the 

 actual presence of mites) the feathers looked as if the parasite had 

 been at work. To be sure of this it would be necessary to send 

 feathers pulled out from the diseased bird that do not seem diseased, 

 and also scrapings of the skin from the invaded areas ; such material 

 must be fresh or sent in dilute spuit. This disease was found by 

 Eailliet in 1886 in a poultry-yard in Normandy, and since in many 

 fresh areas. In this country there is a general idea that " feather- 

 pulling " or eating is due solely to vicious habits, whereas it is nearly 

 always due to the minute Sarcopt mite which lives around and at 

 the base of the feathers. This acarus is most abundant in spring 

 and summer ; males, females, and larvae are all found together 

 around the leases of the feathers on any part of the body. A dozen 

 or more mites may often be found in close proximity, causing the 

 iiritation which leads to the birds plucking at the feathers. 



* Alcohol must not be used as a stimulant after Thymol. 



