219 



impress one as hcin^r weak and lacking vitality. This condition may 

 persist indefinitely, or the bird may slowly regain vigor and vitality 

 and finally make fairly satisfactory development. 



Chicks showing symptoms of White Diarrhea. 



"Summary. In order to avoid possible confusion we have ap- 

 plied the term 'bacillary white diarrhea' to that form of disease of 

 young chicks which is caused by Bacterium pullorum. This is the 

 disease commonly called 'white diarrhea' by the poultrymen in New 

 England." 



1. The original source of infection is the ovary of the mother 

 hen. 



2. Eggs from infected hens contain the organism in the yolks. 



3. Chicks produced from infected eggs have the disease when 

 hatched. 



4. The disease may be spread through the medium of infected 

 food and water. Hence normal chicks may acquire it by picking up 

 infected droppings or food contaminated thereby. 



5. Infection from chick to chick cannot, apparently, take place 

 after they are three or four days of age. 



6. As a rule, infected chicks make less satisfactory growth than 

 those that are apparently normal. For sometime they appear stunted 

 and weak, but may eventually undergo more or less complete develop- 

 ment. 



7. The female chicks which survive often harbor the infection 

 and may become bacillus carriers. Infection in the breeding pens is 

 perpetuated in this manner. 



8. In all probability infection does not pass from adult to adult. 



9. Infected hens are apparently poor layers, especially in their 

 second and subsequent laying seasons. 



PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS. 



"It is of the greatest importance that the poultryman learn to 

 recognize bacillary white diarrhea, both through external symptoms 

 and post-mortem appearances of diseased chicks. The mere discharge 

 of whitish material from the vent is not in itself proof that the chicks 

 are affected with this specific disorder. 



"Infected hens should be eliminated from the breeding pe^. Such 

 elimination is made possible by pedigree records of chicks. If the 

 <?ggs from the different pens are hatched separately, and the chicks 

 segregated for the first few days, it will soon be made apparent 

 through the condition of the chicks, which pens contain infected hens. 

 This may prove effectual in cases where infection has not become gen- 



