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first stages. As time advances, the bird grows thinner, the comb and 

 wattles grow pale, and bird shows general weakness. In the more 

 advanced stages, the feathers are ruffled, the bird becomes lame, and 

 often has diarrhea. Because of the lameness, caused by tuberculosis 

 of the joints, many poultrymen call it rheumatism. The birds often 

 have a bright eye and a good appetite. Dr. Morse says, "At the post- 

 mortem examination, you may have your suspicions strengthened by 

 finding liver, spleen, intestines and membrane uniting the intestinal 

 folds (mesenteries) studded with yellowish white cheesy nodules of 

 various sizes." 



Intestine and mesenteries of a fowl affected with tuberculosis. (After Ward.)' 



"Methods of Contagion. (From Poultry Diseases and Their 

 Treatment, Maine Experiment Station.) The spread of tuberculosis 

 from fowl to fowl takes place only when the living bacteria are trans- 

 ferred from the diseased to the healthy birds. From the fact that 

 tuberculosis lesions are most commonly found in the internal organs 

 of the digestive system w r e may conclude that the bacteria usually 

 enter the body along with the food. Examination of the tubercles 

 situated along the intestine shows that in many cases these communi- 

 cate directly with the interior of the digestive tract. These are con- 

 stantly emptying enormous numbers of bacteria which are carried to 

 the outside by the feces of the bird. Without doubt the droppings of 

 tuberculous fowls are the most important factor in the spread of this 

 disease. This is especially true when in addition the birds are fed 

 upon ground which is partly covered with these droppings. Besides, 

 the infectious material may be very easily carried by the feet and thus 

 mixed with the food." 



Treatment. No cure is known for the disease at present. Re- 

 move all sick birds. Disinfect the houses and everything used in con- 



