350 THE RURAL EFFICIENCY GUIDE STOCK 



be infected with fowl tuberculosis from eating the bodies of birds which have 

 died from this disease and these animals may infect other fowls. 



Symptoms. The symptoms begin with gradual loss of weight, wasting 

 of the muscles and prominence of the bones. The comb becomes pale. The 

 bird is weak and languid. In the latter stages, there is persistent diarrhea. 

 Very often there is an inflammation of the joints which causes enlargement 

 and lameness. Occasionally the skin over the joints breaks and they are found 

 to be ulcerated. Many of the symptoms of this disease are very similar to 

 those occurring with other diseases, thus making a diagnosis difficult. A micro- 

 scopic analysis showing the presence of the bacillus is the best evidence. 



Preventive Treatment. The treatment is entirely preventive as the. 

 disease cannot be cured. All birds that are known to be infected should be 

 killed and burned. No attempt should be made to keep any of the fowls that 

 have been exposed to the contagion. All of the manure and scrapings of the 

 yards should be burned. Sprinkle a 5% solution of carbolic acid over the funs 

 and wash floors and walls, feeding troughs and drinking vessels with the same. 

 Then whitewash the whole interior of the poultry house adding 16 ounces of 

 crude carbolic acid to each pail of whitewash. Keep the house and yards open 

 to sun for three weeks before putting in a new flock. 



Vertigo. 



This is a disease of the brain, and may be regarded as a minor apoplexy. 



Symptoms. The bird shows dizziness. The gait is uncertain and stag- 

 gering. 



Treatment. The fowl can often be revived by holding the head under a 

 stream of cold water after which keep it in a cool place and on a light diet. 



White Comb (Favus). 



This is a contagious disease quite disfiguring but easily controlled if treated 

 early. 



White comb is the result of close confinement, little or no air and sun- 

 shine and absence of sufficient vegetable food. The disease is transmitted from 

 fowl to fowl by contact. 



Symptoms. Favus begins by the formation of white or grayish spots on 

 the comb and wattles. These spots enlarge, run together and become more 

 inflamed until the skin of the head and neck is covered and bare of feathers. 

 As the disease advances, the skin becomes thicker until in a few weeks it may 

 change very much the shape of the head. There will be noticed a paleness 

 of all mucus surfaces and a weakness in all the movements of the bird. 



While the disease is confined to the head, it may be cured by applying tinc- 

 ture of iodine to the parts. 



An ointment of calomel 1 part, vaseline 8 parts, well mixed and applied 

 daily, is an efficient remedy. 



Olive oil with 1% carbolic acid is good to apply. Isolate the afflicted fowls. 



