84 POULTRY DISEASES 



BEE STINGS 



Ynung ducklings attempting to catch bees where bee gums 

 are set on the ground are sometimes attacked and so severely 

 stung that many die. Severe swelling, as in other animals, 

 results from the stings. 



FUNGI AFFECTING BIRDS 



Three harmful fungi affect chickens. One kind affects the 

 mouth, another the skin and the third the lungs. They are 

 more or less common in this country. 



Thrush— Aphtha— Sore Mouth 



This is a condition affecting the mouth and is due to a low- 

 grade fungus called the Oidium albicans {Saccharomyces albi- 

 cans). This consists of h^n^h^e (fine thread-like processes) 

 which in some instances show well marked chains of cells. It 

 reproduces by forming round or ovoid spores. 



Symptoms. — E berth has reported a case in a bird that was 

 emaciated, dull and died in convulsions. On the inner lining 

 or mucous membrane of the first portion of the esophagus 

 whitish to brownish yellow deposits adhering to the mucous 

 surface were observed. These were found to be composed of 

 the spores and filaments of this fungus. It has also been 

 reported as occurring in turkeys. 



Treatment. — If the patches can be seen it is best to cauter- 

 ize the area with stick of lunar caustic (molded nitrate of 

 silver). Intestinal antiseptics are also indicated such as are 

 given in other intestinal disorders as fowl cholera. (See 

 page 110.) 



Tinea Favosa — Honey-Comb Ringworm 



This malady is due to another low-grade fungus, the Aclio- 

 rion schoenleinii. The fungus somewhat resembles the Oidium 

 albicans appearing in hyph^e or threads and reproducing by 

 spore formation. 



The hyphffi are three to five microns thick, forming rami- 

 fying branches with tapering ends. The hyphte are matted 

 together, forming mycelia or mat-like masses. Spores varying 

 from three to six microns in diameter are found in the meshes 

 of this mycelia. These spores are egg, ball or biscuit shaped. 



The fungus may be grown on artificial media. Upon arti- 

 ficial media it appears as a moss-like growth. It grows best 

 at twenty-five degrees Fahrenheit. 



Symptoms. — This disease has been called favus, baldness 

 and white comb. It is a disease tliat is highly contagious and 

 attacks the comb, face and neck. If not treated, l)ut allowed 



