DISEASES OF POULTRY. 267 



ROTJF, OR INFLUENZA. 



THE term "roup," is in common speaking very indefi- 

 nite, being applied to the quite dissimilar disorders of poul- 

 try, such as to obstruction in the rump gland, the " pip" 

 already described, and to almost every sort of catarrh. 

 The word is supposed to be a corruption of " croup," 

 which appears to be applicable to the " gapes," or in- 

 flammation of the windpipe. It will be most advisable, I 

 think, to confine the term to a highly dangerous disorder, 

 caused partly, if not altogether, by cold and moisture, 

 but usually ascribed to improper feeding, uncleanliness, 

 and confinement. 



The symptoms most prominent in the roup, is difficult 

 and noisy breathing, beginning with what is termed the 

 gapes,, as in the pip. The eyes afterwards become 

 much swollen, and the eyelids livid, with decay of sight, 

 and even total blindness. There is a considerable dis- 

 charge from the nostrils, and even from the mouth, at 

 commencement, thin and limpid but afterwards becom- 

 ing thick, purulent, and fetid very similar to the glanders 

 in horses. As secondary symptoms, the appetite is all 

 but lost except for drink, the crop feels hard to the touch, 

 and the feathers are staring, ruffled, and without a healthy 

 gloss. The fowl sits moping and wasting in corners 

 always apparently in great pain. Moubray says, that 

 in a hen, which died of roup, the eggs were black. 



The roup affects fowls of all ages, and is either acute 

 or chonic, beginning sometimes suddenly, and some- 

 times gradually, as the result of neglected colds, or rainy 

 weather and damp lodging. Chronic roup has been 

 known to affect a fowl for two years. 



When any fowls or other poultry are observed to be 

 infected with roup, they ought to be kept warm, and 

 have plenty of water and scalded bran, Indian-meal 

 dough, or other light food. The most effectual remedy 

 is said to be antimonial powder or calomel, in grain 

 doses, made into a pill with bread. When it becomes 

 chronic, change of food and of air, if convenient, will 

 be advisable ; such as confining the diet to earth worms 



