SECTION XI 



DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY PASSAGES 



In the fall, winter and spring, these diseases are a scourge 

 to the poultry raiser, unless strict sanitation is observed. 



OBSTRUCTION OF THE TRACHEA 



This is uncommon, except as a result of gape worm infes- 

 tation. Fig. 64 illustrates a case that was sent to the lal)ora- 

 tory with the statement that it had ' ' gapes. ' ' This ])ird would 

 extend its head high into the air, gasping for breath as one 

 whose trachea is obstructed 

 by gapeworms ; it was weak 

 and una])le to stand square- 

 ly upon its feet. It was 

 destroyed for examination. 

 A piece of a grain of corn 

 was found in the trachea, 

 surrounded by an accumu- 

 lation of mucus due to the 

 irritation its presence in 

 the trachea had caused. 

 The foreign body and the 

 accumulated mucus were 

 obstructing the passage of 

 air to the lungs ; hence, the 

 asphyxiation. In so m e 



cases a whole grain of corn has been found lodged in the 

 trachea of an adult fowl. 



CATARRH, COLDS 



Cause. — Sudden changes in the weather, cold, damp weather 

 roosting in drafts and chilling by getting wet in cold rains 

 are often factors in the production of catarrh among birds. 

 Such affections are more or less contagious, Imt bad sanitation 

 plays an important part in their spread. AVeak stock and 

 poorly nourished birds are predisposed to tliis contagion. 



Symptoms. — The appetite may be somewhat diminished. 

 The bird sneezes, throws its head and may expel some nuicus. 

 The discharge at first is watery and later becomes more or 

 less thick (muco-purulent). The eyes may show more or less 

 inflammation (conjunctivitis) and the eyelids may become 

 adherent. The characteristic offensive order of roup is absent. 



Fig 64. Obstruction of the Trachea. 



Showing depression (drooping wings, in- 

 ability to stand, etc.) from partial aspliyxia- 

 tion. 



