CHAPTER V 



AIR SAC MITE 



Cause: Produced by a parasite called Cylodites Nu- 

 dus, which bears a close resemblance to the parasite 

 causing mange or scabies in the domesticated animal. 

 Owing to the peculiar construction of their breathing 

 organs fowls are more susceptible to parasites than 

 animals. In addition to affecting the lungs, the Air Sac 

 Mite may extend its operations to the intestines, kidneys, 

 liver and bones. 



Symptoms: Unthriftiness is first noticed, but after 

 the parasites become numerous, the fowl shows signs of 

 difficult breathing, perhaps terminating in bronchial 

 pneumonia. In some cases death occurs without appar- 

 ent cause. The bird will be inactive, becomes separated 

 from the rest of the flock, comb pale, head drawn close 

 to the body, wings hang pendulous, lose flesh, breathing 

 becomes hard, coughing, sneezing and a rattling from 

 the mucus in the windpipe is heard. Death is produced 

 from suffocation. 



Treatment: Separate the sick from the healthy 

 fowls. Disinfect coops and runways of both sick and 

 healthy birds with Crude Carbolic Acid, undiluted. Also 

 fumigate the fowls in their coops with steam from hot 

 w^ater and Pine Tar. This may be done by placing the 

 water and Tar in a pan and then inserting a hot stone 

 or brick in the solution. This perhaps is the simplest 

 method of fumigation. Also mix Sulphur in their feed 

 regularly. 



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