Diseases of the Respiratory System 151 



Catarrh (Simple Catarrh; Non-contagious Catarrh; Cold) 



One of the most common diseases of the air passages 

 is catarrh (cold) . It is often hard to distinguish this disease 

 from early stages of roup and diphtheria. The characteristic 

 symptoms of the latter disease should be carefully looked for, 

 lest the flock become infected with a dangerous contagious 

 disease. In cases where there is a suspicion of either of 

 these diseases it is better to isolate the sick birds. Catarrh 

 is non-contagious. It usually affects only a few individuals 

 in the flock, but in cases of exposure of the flock to the un- 

 favorable conditions which cause the disease it may occur 

 in quite a number of birds at the same time. 



Diagnosis. — Affected birds sneeze frequently, appear dull 

 and lose their appetites. In early stages of the disease a 

 thin mucous secretion is discharged from the nostrils. Often 

 the eyes are watery and the eyelids inflamed and swollen. 

 Later, in severe cases, the mucous secretions become gelati- 

 nous. The head passages may become entirely filled with 

 this thick secretion. Breathing is then entirely through the 

 mouth and is accompanied by a wheezing sound. A watery 

 liquid drools from the mouth. Death occurs, apparently 

 from exhaustion, in very severe cases. 



Etiology. — The cause of catarrh is exposure to cold, to 

 drafts of air, to damp atmosphere due to improper housing 

 conditions, or to wet weather. Weak stock or improperly 

 nourished birds are more likely to be affected by these con- 

 ditions than strong, vigorous and well fed individuals. 



Treatment. — With strong, healthy stock it is usually only 

 necessary to remove the cause. Affected birds should be 

 kept in warm, dry, well ventilated rooms. Daily individual 

 treatment is effective and may profitably be applied if the 

 attack is severe and the bird valuable. 



This treatment when most effective involves three steps : 



