CHAPTER XXVI 

 DISEASES OF FOWLS 



The transmissible diseases of fowls inflict a heavy tax on 

 the poultry-raiser and the general farmer. Present knowl- 

 edge concerning many of these diseases is far from com- 

 plete, and in many cases so fragmentary that no definite 

 plan for the eradication and prevention can be devised 

 other than the customary plan applicable in most cases of 

 transmissible diseases, viz., removal of affected individuals, 

 'destruction of carcasses, and general cleanliness and dis- 

 infection. 



Chicken cholera. Chickens, like swine, are subject to 

 dietary disorders which may often simulate a true con- 

 tagious disease in the rapidity with which it appears in the 

 flock and in its high mortality. Cholera is a term applied 

 to many of such disorders that are not produced by a spe- 

 cific organism. The true chicken cholera is rare in this 

 country, and is due to the invasion of the body by a spe- 

 cific form of bacteria. 



Symptoms. The'urates, that part of the excrement ex- 

 creted by the kidneys, in the case of healthy birds are pure 

 white in color. In birds affected with cholera the urates 

 are yellow, often a bright yellow, and sometimes a bright 

 green. This change in color is not proof of the presence 

 of cholera, but is a valuable indication of the disease. 

 Diarrhea is usually present. The sick bird leaves the flock, 

 becomes weak and drowsy, acts dumpish, and the feathers 

 are roughened. Intense thirst is noted, the appetite is 

 poor, and the crop remains distended with food. There is 



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