ANIMAL PARASITES IN THE TRACHEA 43 



the neck by a peculiar movement (gaping) in order to facili- 

 tate inspiration. The general signs are loss of appetite, 

 dulness, wings pendant and all evidence of cachexia. Death 

 results from exhaustion or asphyxiation. 



Diagnosis. The peculiar gaping movement at each inspira- 

 tion, sneezing, and distressed breathing as from obstruction 

 in the trachea. Finding the worms in the trachea or eggs in 

 the discharge from the mouth is conclusive. 



Prognosis. Unfavorable, but depends upon the number 

 of parasites present in the trachea. A spontaneous recovery 

 is rare, especially in young birds. 



Treatment. All of the young birds should be treated as 

 soon as the disease is noticed. As much garlic as they can 

 be made to eat when chopped fine and mixed with other food, 

 or powdered asafetida (0.25 per head daily) may be used. 

 The volatile part of the garlic or the asafetida is eliminated 

 with the expired air and acts as a toxicant to the parasites 

 in the trachea. Individuals may be treated by intratracheal 

 injections of sodium salicylate (5 per cent.) using 1 c.c. per 

 bird and injected with a medicine dropper directly into the 

 trachea. This loosens the worms and they can be coughed 

 out. In cases of imminent asphyxia the worms may be with- 

 drawn by the aid of a feather, having the barbules all removed 

 except at the end. Or a horsehair folded and twisted so as to 

 form a small loop may be used. It is introduced into the 

 trachea through the open mouth and turned round and 

 round, the object being to loosen the worms. They may be 

 then withdrawn with the feather or coughed out. This 

 method of ridding the chick of the parasite is dangerous and 

 insufficient, and can remove only those parasites which are 

 slightly attached and in the upper part of the trachea. 



Prevention. Separate the sick birds from the healthy and 

 clean up all coops, pens and runways, drinking troughs, etc. 

 and disinfect with carbolic acid (5 per cent.) . Lime sprinkled 

 freely throughout the house and in the coops will aid in 

 keeping them clean. Burn all dead birds and provide clean 

 water and food. 



