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eral. To determine which individual hens are infected, 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 noninfected 

 farm. "We have records of farms where 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 practicable 

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

 similar to that made in caponizing. "Where the abnormal condition 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 keeping 

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

 hatching will materially reduce the chances of a few infected in- 

 dividuals spreading the infection through the entire hatch. For 

 division into small groups we suggest the use of pedigree trays, wire 

 baskets or bags made of mosquito netting. 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 appliances used in the hatch- 

 ing and rearing of the chicks should be cleaned and disinfected fre- 

 quently. 



"Food and water should be supplied in such a manner as to pre- 

 vent contamination with infected droppings. The use of fine absorp- 

 tive litter in the brooder, especially for the first few days, is also ad- 

 visable. 



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

 tive measure. The milk must be fed early, or during the infection 

 stage. After the white diarrhea organism has once entered the gen- 

 eral 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 preserved. Proper methods of hous- 

 ing, feeding, incubation, brooding, and management should therefore 

 be employed." 



