PHEASANTS IN COVERT AND AVIARY 



are acquainted with it, and readily recognise its existence, 

 as it is denoted by the appearance of scaly-like elevations 

 on the legs and toes. This disease is due to the presence 

 of minute parasites or acari, which live under the epidermic 

 scales of the legs, setting up in this situation a considerable 

 degree of irritation. The acari alluded to are known as 

 the sarcoptes mutans, which are very small parasites with 

 round bodies, the female parasite being larger than that of 

 the male, the limbs being destitute of suckers and terminat- 

 ing in two booklets. Scaly-leg is mostly confined to the 

 front surface, and the elevation of the epidermic scales is 

 due to the presence of a white powdery substance beneath 

 them, the result of the irritation. The scales ultimately 

 become detached, but are replaced by others as they are 

 cast off. On the under surface of the scales or crusts there 

 is a honeycomb appearance, and it is in these depressions 

 that the female parasites are lodged, and in them the eggs 

 are laid. In advanced cases of this trouble the birds are 

 liable to become lame, and in consequence suffer constitu- 

 tionally. Being a parasitic affection, it follows that it is 

 communicable from one bird to another, either by direct or 

 indirect contact, whilst breed appears to have an influence 

 in determining its appearance. It is certainly not readily 

 transmitted, as healthy fowls or Pheasants may cohabit 

 where the disease is for a long time without contracting the 

 malady. 



Treatment and Management. — Both game-rearers and 

 gamekeepers likewise, though they are interested themselves 

 in the study of this disease, have experimented with numerous 

 applications for the cure of this trouble, and various results 

 have been recorded. It is not a difficult disease to treat if 

 attacked in a proper manner, and the best method of doing 

 so is first of all to wash the legs and feet with a strong 



278 



