•INFECTIOUS DIARRHEA OF CHICKS 629 



Prognosis.— Owing to the high mortality of the disease the 

 prognosis is unfavorable. Its rapid spread from one bird 

 to another, and to other flocks, makes the disease difficult 

 to control. The mortality may reach from 50 to 90 per cent. 



Treatment.— Intestinal antiseptics are indicated. Sodium 

 sulphocarbolate (0.2-0.4) two or three times daily has 

 given good results. Also salol in the same doses. Admin- 

 ister sulphate of iron in the drinking water, using one ounce 

 of the sulphate of iron to one gallon of water. This has 

 proved to be of value as a bowel disinfectant. As soon as 

 an outbreak appears, radical means should be adopted at 

 once to prevent the spread of the disease. Disinfect the 

 coops and houses thoroughly with lysol solution (3 per cent.), 

 or lime solution. Clean up all droppings two or three times 

 daily and either burn them or bury in lime. Disinfect all 

 drinking fountains and feed pans daily. Extreme care must 

 be used by attendants to prevent carrying the infection to 

 other birds or flocks. Good results often follow when these 

 details are carried out conscientiously. 



INFECTIOUS DIARRHEA OF CHICKS. 



White Diarrhea. 



Definition.— An infectious disease affecting young chicks, 

 characterized by a severe diarrhea, prostration and high 

 mortality. Owing to the fact that it affects chicks shortly 

 after being hatched, and such large numbers die, it is 

 one of the most important diseases with which the poultry- 

 man has to contend. The losses to the poultry industry 

 through its ravages are enormous. In some districts it is 

 becoming very difficult to rear young chicks. 



Etiology.— It is necessary to recognize two distinct etiolog- 

 ical factors, viz: (a) A form produced by the Bacterium 

 pullorum, and (6) a protozoal form caused by the Coccidium 

 tenellum. Both of these forms are frequently met with in 

 practice. The reason the conditions should be classified 

 together is because they appear in the same aged birds, 

 produce much the same symptoms, and it has been found 



