138 SOME MINUTE ANIMAL PARASITES 



wise precaution to have the breeding-pens in such a 

 position that they are swept as little as possible by 

 winds coming from runs, etc., of older, and possibly 

 infected, stock. Great care also'should be exercised 

 in choosing foster-mothers, especially in rearing 

 pure- bred stock, for a parasite carrier used as a 

 foster-mother would mean almost certain death to 

 her brood. Further, it is advisable to disinfect all 

 eggs before they are set. A solution of 90 to 95 per 

 cent, alcohol (strong methylated spirit will do), has 

 been used for wiping the eggs, and has been found 

 efficacious. 



With regard to treatment, it is almost impossible to 

 give any advice in the case of wild birds. Any con- 

 dition that tends to raise the vitality of the chicks 

 is of service and should be used. Recently some 

 experiments have been completed by us on the treat- 

 ment of avian coccidiosis by means of catechu. The 

 procedure may be briefly indicated. Ten to fifteen 

 grains of crude catechu are dissolved in one gallon 

 of water. The dark sherry or ale coloured fluid thus 

 obtained is administered to the birds as drinking- 

 water. The solution often darkens in air, but its 

 usefulness is not impaired thereby. The birds 

 drink it with avidity, and rapid improvement 

 follows. The treatment is usually only necessary 

 for about ten days, and a solution containing 

 10 grains of catechu per gallon is strong enough in 

 most cases. The birds successfully treated were 

 fowls, ducks, pigeons, hand-reared pheasants and 

 grouse in captivity. The treatment, successfully 

 determined by laboratory experiments, was tried on 



