The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-01-25

noted in epidemics of any considerable
size.
The earliest deaths may occur very
sortly after the chicks are Matched, in
which case the specific symptoms will
not be observed. Soon. within a very
| few days, the characteristic whitish
discharge from the vent appears. In
| character this is sticky or glairy, and it
| frequently accumulates on the downy
feathers.
| The affected individuals seem chilly,
and remain in the warmest available
place. They are sleepy, listless. dopey,
with ruffled feathers and dragging
wings The appetite is impaired, and
| the victims become weak and emaca-
| TED.
| In most epidemics certain proper
tion of the chicks present that peculiar
appearance that poultrymen term
"short-back ed" This is easily observed.
These chicks appear "stiltey," the back
seemingly sortened and the abdomen
protruding.
| Deaths directly due to baccillary
white diarrhea occur during the first
four weeks after Matching, though con-
siderable mortality may be observed
later. due to complications.
Again, final diagnosis rests upon the
pcstmortem examinations. In typical
cases unabsorbed yolks will be OBJ
served. The intestines will appear pale
and bloodless and usually empty or
nearly so. The liver. congested, gem
orally pale, with streaks and patches
of red.
meteorological Examination Desirable
The presence of all, or a number of
these, symptoms Is presumptive evil
dence that the trouble is bacilary white
diarrhea. The presence of the exciting
organism, learned only trough bacte-
ri if,1 noic ico1 avv,tv,
proof.
The disease In question Is caused by
bacterium which in appearance close
ly resembles the bacillus of typhoid fe-
yer. This has been named "bacterium
pullorum" by its discoverers. OF course
the organism can be observed only un-
der a powerful microscope
Many experiments have been con-
Quoted with view to finding the source
of infection and the manner in which it
Is spread. AS result. the following
facts have been scientifically demon
strated:
The mother henis the original source
OF Infection, the organism being present
In the ovary. Infection can apparently
he spread from adult to adult. A va
rying proportion of the eggs laid by in
lected hens cardy the organism In the
yoik. Chicks produced from such eggs
have the disease when hatched In
fected chicks spread the disease among
tEcir normal companions through the
medium of infected droppings Chicks
which survive the infection, at least the
pullets, harbor the organism which fl
nally locates in the ovary. If such pull
let's are used for breeding, the vicious
circle is completed and the disease per-
pctuated in the flock in that manner.
These points should be clearly under
stood, as each has an important bear
ing on the methods of control
Prevention should. where possible.
begin right at the foundation head of the
trouble. Use nothing but healthy
breeding stock, and then keep the
chicks from such stock from being in
footed by contact with others. If the
disease is well established on the plant,
dispose of the breeding flock, clean UP
and disinfect houses and yards, and
make a fresh start with fowls or eggs
obtained from a flock having no his
tory of infection.
In fact all purchases of stock, baby
chicks and eggs for Matching, should be
made from farms where the disease has
never appeared. since any Of these may
carry the destructive organism to dis
tant points.
Use Trap Nest
Certain breeders who own birds of
great value will hesitate to kill them
all. Under such conditions the trap
nest should be used during the breeding
season. the eggs from each hen Matched
separately and the chicks brooded in
separate focks until 3 or weeks of
age. II the disease develops among the
young of given hens. the latter, togeth-
er with their chicks. should be disposed
OF at once. The successful application
Of this plan depends entirely upon the
vigor with which 1t Is prosecuted.
fortunately. the length Of time dur
Ing which infection may pass from
cnlck TO chick. Is apparently a brief
one. The first 48 hours after hatchinp
Is the period OF greatest danger, and
at -FOUR days of age the peril is largely
past. This naturally suggests the Idea
OF giving the youngsters; special care
during this time g '-5
In incubators with glass fronts the
chicks usually pick up the accumulated
drcppings on trays or nursery floor.
This should be prevented. as the dis
ease Is undoubtedly quickly spread In