EXTERNAL PARASITES 85 



to spread and go ou uuinterrupted, it may later extend to the 

 body. 



The disease first appears on the com!) or face as whitish or 

 light-gray, small, roimdisli patches, which vary from the size, 

 of a millet seed to a half-inch in diameter. Later these patches 

 may coalesce and form large areas. 



The diseased area is covered with a scale which may be 

 depressed in the center and turned np at the edges, giving 

 it a cup-like shape. In the course of four to six weeks the 

 crusts may be one-fourth inch in thickness. 



The feathers become dry, erect, brittle and break off at the 

 surface, leaving large denuded areas. A disagreeable odor 

 is given off by the diseased areas w^hich has been likened to 

 that of moldy cheese. As the disease progresses the bird loses 

 its appetite, "becomes gradually emaciated, weakens and finally 

 dies. 



Treatment. — In the early stage this disease yields to treat- 

 ment readily. The crusts should be soaked with soapy water 

 containing a five per cent solution of creolin, liquor cresolis, 

 kreso dip, carbolic acid, or similar antiseptic. The fluid should 

 find its way to every part affected. The premises should be 

 disinfected as for lice or other parasites. 



Pneumomycosis — Aspergillosis 



The third fungus disease affecting birds is usually due to 

 the Aspergillus fumigatus, an organism similar to the com- 

 mon green molds. It affects the lungs and is discussed under 

 ''Diseases of the Organs of Respiration." (See page 172.) 



MYCOSIS OF PIGEONS 



This disease is caused by the Aspergillus glaucus. The 

 skin is covered wuth thin yellowish crusts which may be lo- 

 cated on any part of the body. The crusts give off an of- 

 fensive odor. The birds may finally die of exhaustion. 



WHITE SCALE OF THE COMB, FACE AND WATTLES 



There is a condition among fowls which attacks the comb, 

 face and wattles. The disease manifests itself as very thin, 

 white scales and in some respects sinuilates white comb due 

 to a fungus but in these cases laboratory examinations have 

 failed to reveal any fungus. The comb, face and wattles be- 

 come pale. The disease may run pretty well through a ilock 

 and suddenly disappear spontaneously. 



The best results are attained with a sul]^hur ointment, five 

 parts flowers of sulphur to 95 parts vaselin, applied once a 

 day to the affected parts. 



