Depluming Scabies in Fowls. 61 
Up to three drams may be given, but in all cases I have known, 
fifteen grain doses are sufficient, and more simply produce collapse. 
This can of course always be counteracted by administering 
stimulants.” * 
The importance of Thymol as a nematocide is now well-known, 
it being especially valuable for the armed sclerostomes that cause 
often fatal epizootics in studs in this country. 
Depluming Scabies ( Sarcoptes Icevis ) in Fowls. 
Amongst the enquiries regarding animal parasitic diseases was 
one from Mr. K. J. J. Mackensie, Lecturer on Poultry-keeping to the 
Suffolk County Council, regarding Depluming Scabies in Fowls. 
Feathers were sent from birds suffering from an ailment with symp- 
toms pointing to this disease. An examination of the feathers sent 
did not reveal any Sarcoptes Icevis. This mite, which produces the 
acariasis, ending in loss of feathers, lives at the base of the quills 
amongst a white powdery substance. The feathers sent had broken 
off close to their roots, and any powdery substance attached would 
have gone. As far as one can say without definite proof (i.e. the 
actual presence of mites) the feathers looked as if the parasite had 
been at work. To be sure of this it would be necessary to send 
feathers pulled out from the diseased bird that do not seem diseased, 
and also scrapings of the skin from the invaded areas ; such material 
must be fresh or sent in dilute spirit. This disease was found by 
Piailliet in 1886 in a poultry-yard in Normandy, and since in many 
fresh areas. In this country there is a general idea that “ feather- 
pulling” or eating is due solely to vicious habits, whereas it is nearly 
always due to the minute Sarcopt mite which lives around and at 
the base of the feathers. This acarus is most abundant in spring 
and summer; males, females, and larvae are all found together 
around the bases of the feathers on any part of the body. A dozen 
or more mites may often be found in close proximity, causing the 
irritation which leads to the birds plucking at the feathers. 
* Alcohol must not be used as a stimulant after Thymol. 
