THE HEN-MITE. 



53 



isolated or all united together. Later these patches, 

 about 10-20 mm. in diameter, become bare. After 

 a few days they may increase and unite, forming- 

 large depilated areas. If left alone and any poultry 

 taken from or stopped going to the stable, the disease 

 will die out in a few days. On the other hand, if 

 poultry are allowed to live and sleep with the horses, 

 it will gradually spread and may seriously affect the 

 horse by the irritation the mites produce. 



It is most important, then, for this reason that fowls 

 should not be kept in stables, or in fact with any 

 other animals. 



Cows, dogs, goats, rabbits, and cats are also liable 

 to be pestered with this Acarus. 



Attach on Nasal Cavities of Fowl, fyc. 



Three or four cases of this Dermanvssus entering 

 the nasal cavities and the auditory meatus have come 

 to my notice. The mites entering these cavities in 

 considerable numbers, set up violent irritation and 

 consequent inflammation. Ziirn, Weber, and Lax 

 have also recorded this somewhat unusual attack. 



Symptoms of Mite Presence. 



If birds are seen not to be thriving, examination 

 should be made at night to see if mites are upon 

 them. The presence of the mites sucking the blood 

 of the host, causes the latter to become emaciated in 

 condition. Marasmus may follow, and death the final 

 result. There are seldom any signs of their attack 

 seen on the bird's skin ; sometimes I have noticed that 



