570 HORSE, SWINE AND POULTRY DISEASES 



chicks segregated for the first few days, it will soon be made ap- 

 parent through the condition of the chicks, which pens contain in- 

 fected hens. This may prove effectual in cases where infection has 

 not become general. To determine which individual hens are in- 

 fected, the trap nest should be used, and the same general procedure 

 followed. 



In case infection exists and it is not practicable to determine 

 the breeders which are infected, the entire flock should be discarded 

 for breeding purposes, and eggs for hatching secured from a non- 

 infected farm. The disease has been eliminated in a single season 

 by following this plan, and without any change in equipment or 

 methods. 



Another possible means of determining infection of breeding 

 hens is the direct examination of the ovaries. It is entirely prac- 

 ticable to inspect these organs through an opening in the side of the 

 bird similar to that made in caponizing. Where the abnormal con- 

 dition is marked it may be easily detected. Great care should be 

 exercised that breeding stock, young chicks, or eggs for hatching, 

 be secured from flocks which are free from white diarrhea infection. 



As to the means of preventing the spread of infection from 

 chick to chick, segregation of chicks during the first four days after 

 hatching should prove effective. It is entirely probable that keep- 

 ing chicks in small groups in the incubator for forty-eight hours 

 after hatching will materially reduce the chances of a few infected 

 individuals spreading the infection through the entire hatch. For 

 division into small groups the use of pedigree trays, wire baskets or 

 bags made of mosquito netting is recommended. Naturally, the 

 smaller the group the less the chance of spreading the infection. 

 From the time the chicks begin to hatch until they are removed to 

 the brooder, the incubator should be kept dark. This will largely 

 prevent the chicks from picking at the droppings. 



Since infected chicks make unsatisfactory development for the 

 first few weeks, and may later regain vigor and make fair growth, 

 it is advisable to select at an early age those intended for breeding 

 purposes. The selection may be made when the chickens are from 

 eight to ten weeks of age, reserving only those which show greatest 

 vigor and development. Incubators, brooders, and all other appli- 

 ances used in the hatching and rearing of the chicks should be 

 cleaned and disinfected frequently. Food and water should be sup- 

 plied in such a manner as to prevent contamination with infected 

 droppings. The use of fine absorptive litter in the brooder, espe- 

 cially for the first few days, is also advisable. 



The feeding of sour milk may prove very effective as a pre- 

 ventive measure. The milk must be fed early, or during the infec- 

 tion stage. After the white diarrhea organism has once entered 

 the general circulation, such treatment is of little or no value. 

 Hence, sour milk should not be looked upon as a cure, but merely 

 as a possible preventive agent. Since perfect physical condition is, 

 as a rule, a barrier to disease, it is important that the health and 

 vigor of the breeding stock and chicks be raised and constantly pre- 



