POULTRY disease;s and the;ir treatmi;nt. 149 



troduction of an affected bird. It is less likely to attack strong, 

 vigorous birds than those in poor condition. It usually starts 

 at a point where the skin is broken. Young birds are more sus- 

 ceptible than old ones. The large Asiatic breeds are specially 

 liable to take the disease. No breed is entirely immune. 



Megnin and some other authors consider this disease distinct 

 from the favus of man and other animals, but numerous record- 

 ed observations indicate that it is the same disease and may be 

 communicated to man. In handling affected birds, therefore, 

 care should be exercised to prevent infection of cuts or scratches. 



Treatment. Diseased birds should not be introduced into a 

 flock. If the disease has been accidentally introduced the affect- 

 ed birds should be isolated as soon as possible. The flocks 

 should be watched in order to discover and isolate any new cases 

 that appear. 



In early stages the disease yields readily to treatment. Ziirn 

 considers treatment economically advisable only before the feath- 

 ered parts of the body are attacked. The disease may sometimes 

 be cured at a later stage. The value of the affected bird must 

 determine whether or not it is worth treating. 



As much of the crust as possible should be removed. This 

 is best done by first softening the scabs with warm water or 

 with oil or glycerine. Robinson recommends scraping with 

 the back of a knife or a spoon handle. The parts should then 

 be painted with tincture of iodine or should be bathed with 

 corrosive sublimate solution, i part of the sublimate to looo 

 parts of water, and then rubbing with the ointment described 

 on p. 30. In using the corrosive sublimate solution it 

 should be borne in mind that this solution which unless colored 

 with some dye looks exactly like water is extremely poisonous 

 to men and animals when taken internally. Dishes or bottles 

 of corrosive sublimate should never be left where they can be 

 accidentally mistaken for water. 



Lard and sulphur are often used successfully in the treatment 

 of favus. Use nearly as much sulphur as lard and work them 

 into a smooth salve. In early stages the disease usually yields 

 to application of lard or oil alone. 



Prognosis. In early stages the favus may be cured at the 

 expense of a small amount of attention. After the feathered 

 parts become affected a cure requires considerable labor as the 

 fungus is better protected from the applications. 



