232 POULTRIY-CRAFT. 
for chickens in §310. Turkeys are affected by many of the same diseases as 
chickens, and by a few which are either peculiar to the turkey or attack it in 
a different form. 
Diseases most prevalent among and disastrous to turkeys, are : — 
Blackhead —which has been long common and troublesome in the east, 
and frequently appears in other sections. According to Cushman: 
“It is an infectious liver disease, similar in its nature to human dysentery. The 
disease takes its name from the fact that turkeys of a certain age, when affected, look 
shrunken, pinched, and purple about the head. Turkeys having the disease probably 
affect the land they run upon. The organisms are present in their excrement, and if 
taken in with food or water, may produce the disease in other turkeys. Sick birds 
should be killed and burned or deeply buried. Buildings, coops and feeding and drinking 
vessels which they may have contaminated, should be disinfected. Birds once having this 
trouble, even if they have apparently recovered, may still not be free from it, and be able 
to scatter infecting material. It is therefore not best to keep specimens that have ever 
been affected. Take great pains to clear out the sick from both young and old, and then 
if it is possible, change the well ones to new ground. Some turkeys resist infection 
where others succumb to it. Doubtless some have such vigor and power that they over- 
come or destroy infection if it reaches them. 
‘« Little turkeys are most susceptible. They are infected early in life, and the disease 
develops fast or slow according to how numerous the organisms are, or to the strength 
of the turkey. Wet, stormy weather aggravates the disease. Their feathers look rough; 
they have diarrhea, with bright yellow excrement; and they weakly drag one foot after 
the other for some time before they die. Here (in Rhode Island) they usually die in the 
latter part of July, early in August, and at the beginning of cold weather. ‘ 
‘‘In some cases both ceca are affected, in others but one, or a part of one. Those 
having but a small part of the liver invaded may live through the winter, and not die 
until spring. 
‘* Prevention is possible, but cure is difficult. By breeding them to secure great vigor, 
by feeding to counteract any tendency to diarrheea, and by giving preventive treatment 
upon the slightest symptoms of abnormal looseness, much may be done to help them 
resist this disease if they are exposed to it. 
‘* A tonic and stimulant for the liver and bowels will help prevent the disease; confine- 
ment and over-feeding favor it. Pepper and ginger, and something sour are indicated as 
well as an astringent. Sick turkeys sometimes recover after they can eat all the acorns 
they want; they administer the astringent themselves. One beginner, after losing many 
little turkeys, reports that he cured a lot in two weeks by giving them a saturated solution 
of epsom salts in milk to drink, and nothing but grass to eat.” 
Colds and Roup — see § 313. ‘ 
Gape Worms —see { 313. 
Rheumatism — see J 313. 
Lape Worms —are very common in turkeys, and often kill whole flocks of 
young ones. Freshly powdered kuosso is a highly recommended remedy. 
Tansy and pumpkin seeds are also recommended. See also 4313. 
