48 MITE PARASITES. 



These minute forms of life live at the base of the 

 feathers amongst the white powder referred to, as 

 many as ten to twelve being found at each feather. 

 Larvae are also found in a similar position, together 

 with the males and young females ; they are also 

 found around the base of feathers on the skin. 



Spread of the Disease. 



From the above position they readily become spread 

 from bird to bird by the cock in copulation. The 

 region of the croup is that always first affected. 

 This Acariasis spreads with great rapidity, a single 

 cock soon infecting the whole run. 



e> 



Effect upon the Birds. 



The presence of these mites not only affects the 

 plumage and causes the habit of feather-plucking, 

 but it also, in the case of hens, checks egg-laying. 

 In cocks, in which the malady is usually most severe, 

 cachectic conditions may follow, often ending in 

 emaciation and even death of the patient. 



Prevention and Treatment. 



As it has been pointed out that the disease is most 

 contaoious, isolation of the affected bird is the first 

 point to receive attention. This is especially the case 

 if the disease appears in a cock. 



The mites being only slightly protected, readily 



