224 DISEASES OF POULTRY. 



time to time for symptoms of diphtheria, with special 

 reference to the existence of grayish or yellowish 

 patches in the mouth or eyes, or obstruction of the 

 breathing. If at the end of thirty days they have 

 shown no symptoms of this kind the danger may be 

 considered past. Keep the poultry -houses clean and 

 dry, have ample ventilation but freedom from draughts 

 of air, and arrange the house so that the sun will 

 shine into it a portion of the day. 



If the disease appears in the flock, notwithstanding 

 the preventive measures suggested, remove the sick 

 birds for treatment as soon as the earliest symptoms 

 are detected. Disinfect the poultry -house and runs 

 with a five-per-cent solution of carbolic acid and 

 repeat this disinfection at least once a week while the 

 disease remains. Feed a well-balanced ration con- 

 taining a small proportion of meat scrap. Burn or 

 safely bury all dead birds. 



The sick birds should be placed in a warm, venti- 

 lated, clean, dry hospital room, where they will not 

 be exposed to draughts of air and where they can be 

 readily caught for examination and treatment. Apply 

 three times a day to the diphtheritic spots in the 

 mouth and eyes a two-per-cent solution of either 

 creolin or of pure carbolic acid in water, and if possi- 

 ble inject a small quantity of the same solution into 

 the nostrils. Remove the diphtheritic membranes as 

 soon as this can be done without causing bleeding 

 from the affected surface and continue the application 

 of the remedy. Tincture of iodine has been success- 

 fully applied to the diseased parts of the mouth, and 

 a solution of salicylic acid in water 1 grain to the 

 ounce has been recommended for the eyes. Boric 

 acid solution of the strength of 15 grains to an ounce 



