CHAPTER XLV 

 DISEASES AND AILMENTS OF POULTRY 



Poultry is not only universal on the farm, but frequently 

 raised on the home lot in smaller villages and towns. Thus 

 a large percentage of our population comes in intimate con- 

 tact with poultry, but more especially with chickens. Un- 

 fortunately many of these birds are given inferior care. 

 They are kept in unsanitary pens, and, as a result, disease 

 or various ailments affect them. Under such conditions 

 comes a call for information as to the nature of the trouble 

 and means of remedying it. This chapter, therefore, will 

 discuss briefly the more common afflictions of poultry, with 

 suggestions of preventive measures or curative treatment. 



Roup. This is a germ disease that affects the nose, 

 mouth, or eye of chickens. In the nasal form there is a 

 thin, watery, offensive discharge from the nostrils, which 

 finally becomes thick and stops the nasal passage. In the 

 mouth form, yellow or yellow-white patches and ulcers, 

 similar to diphtheria, occur. In the eye form the membrane 

 covering the front of the eye becomes inflamed, a watery, 

 whitish fluid accumulates, and the eyelids stick together. 

 The birds sneeze and throw off mucus, the appetite fails, 

 diarrhea occurs, and there is marked weakness. In con- 

 nection with each form, in order, comes catarrh and discharge 

 of mucus; the formation of a membrane in the mouth and 

 throat, similar to diphtheria; and inflammation of the eyes, 

 and often destruction of the eyeball. 



It is of the greatest importance to provide sanitary 

 quarters for fowls, to ward off this disease. Good ventila- 

 tion should be provided in the poultry house, but no drafts 

 should be permitted. It is important that the house be 



527 



