CHAPTER XLIV 



CHOLERA 



Cholera is a most contagious and generally a fatal 

 disease. It is not so common amongst poultry as 

 many are led to believe. Too often severe cases of 

 diarrhoea are mistaken for cholera. This disease 

 attacks both old and young, and its progress is very 

 rapid. It is without a doubt the most dangerous ail- 

 ment to which poultry is subject, and when it makes 

 its appearance, it requires prompt action and meas- 

 ures to counteract its rapid infection of the entire 

 flock. 



The symptoms of cholera are sleepiness, ruffled 

 feathers, wings drooped, loss of appetite, an unusual 

 thirst, over-drinking of water, high fever, legs dry 

 and hot, pale comb, bloodless wattles and face, dull 

 eyes, loss of strength and flesh, yellowish-green 

 droppings, which in advanced stages turn to a grass- 

 green color; feathers about the vent become soiled, 

 and before the bird finally dies, it is commonly 

 attacked with convulsions. 



A treatment is almost useless, as the disease's 

 progress is so rapid, and, therefore, as a safety meas- 

 ure for the rest of the flock not showing any symp- 

 toms, it is advisable to kill and bum all infected 



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