Proposed Research Laboratory for the Diseases of Gage Birds 87


A PROPOSED RESEARCH LABORATORY FOR

THE DISEASES OF CAGE BIRDS


The study of birds in captivity, be they domestic birds such as

Canaries, Poultry, and Pigeons, or the undomesticated forms dealt

with by aviculturists, has never been more popular than it is at the

present time, but little has been done in the scientific study of the

diseases of birds and their treatment.


The matter has been under consideration by the Royal Veterinary

College, the Governors of which are determined to try to provide the

required services and for this purpose have prepared plans for the

establishment of a laboratory.


This laboratory is designed for two purposes : firstly, to conduct

research by whole-time trained scientists into diseases of fur-bearing

animals and birds ; secondly, to serve as a centre of instruction to

veterinary students and of assistance for veterinary practitioners.

The veterinary surgeons of Great Britain desire the facilities and

guidance of a laboratory which will enable them to give personal

service to breeders on the treatment and prevention of disease in

small stock.


Such a laboratory should eventually be of great service to

aviculturists who are asked to help with their donations to make this

scheme possible.


Professor Tom Hare writes :—


“ Sir Frederick Hobday has instructed me to say that if £2,000

can be obtained by next July a start will be made with the research ;

at present a little over £600 has been subscribed towards the fund.

You will note that the object of the Royal Veterinary College is to build

up a large laboratory confined to research on diseases of small fur¬

bearing animals, Pigeons, and aviary birds.


“ During the last four years I have become familiar with many~of

the problems troubling owners of aviaries, and though I and my

colleague have already published our research on two diseases, we

recognize it is impossible to cope with the demand on our present

limitations of staff and finance. The work already referred to has

been done in our spare time, and I am sure you yourself will appreciate



