DISEASES OF POULTRY. 



215 



species of cage birds may contract human tuberculosis 

 and distribute it in the same manner. 



On the other hand, as poultry and pigeons do not 

 readily contract tuberculosis from persons, it seems 

 probable that mankind is in no great danger of be- 

 coming infected from these birds. It is well to use 

 I reasonable precau- 



'" tions, however, 



when the disease is 

 detected in the 

 poultry-yard or 

 pigeon -cote, as 

 there are some 

 cases recorded 

 where it is believed 

 that flocks of poul - 

 try have been in- 

 fected by eating 

 the sputum of hu- 

 man consum'ptives. 

 When a bird is 

 found to be diseased 



Fig-. 65.— Tuberculosis of the foot (parrot). it should, of COUrse, 



be safely disposed of at once ; but there is no reason 

 for the alarm and panic which have been exhibited by 

 some owners of flocks supposed to be affected. 



Diagnosis. — As there are a number of different 

 conditions found in birds which simulate tuberculosis, 

 it is well, when the disease is suspected, to have its 

 identity confirmed by an expert. A microscopical 

 examination showing the presence of the Bbacillus 

 tuberculosis \s \hQ. most reliable and satisfactory evi- 

 dence. According to Nocard, the tuberculin test may 

 be used as with cattle or other animals. The dose 



