The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1921-12-22
Poultry Diseases.

eases with a discussion on roup.
tuberculosis Tuberculosis is a
chronic contagious disease which af-
fects not only the human and bovine
families but nearly all species of do
mcstic animals, including fowls. The
disease in poultry may be caused by
the introduction into the flocks of
birds affected with the disease or by
purchase of eggs for Matching pur-
poses which were laid by diseased
birds. If the disease exists in neigh
boring flocks the disease may be car
ried from one flock to another by birds
dogs and such like agents of transpor-
tation. According to Dr. D. E. SAL
mon, chief Of the bureau of animal
husbandry, human and bovine tuber-
culosis is rarely, if ever, transmitted
to birds. However pigs, cats, rats and
mice are especially liable to be infect
ed with fowl tuberculosis from eating
of the carcasses Of affected birds
These animals will transmit the dis
case to poultry. It is stated that even
calves and colts sometimes suffer frcm
this form Of tuberculosis.
Symptoms-A popularity Of tubcr-
culosis Of birds is that the liver and
intestines are nearly always severely
affected. The virulence of this dis
ease is very great. The greater part
of the flock may be infected in the
course of a few weeks, though the
carly symptoms Of the disease are
generally not observed in the internal
organs, and it is not until the disease
has reached an advanced stage Of de-
velopment that it is readily detected
The birds begin with a gradual loss
of weight, especially wasting of the
breast muscles, paleness of comb, and
towards the end Of life of dullncss
sleepiness, and diarrhoea. 1t is very
often that inflammation of the Joints
and the sheaths of tendons cause lame
ness, swelling Of the joints and legs
and sometimes the formation of in.
ternal tumors. Swellings and bony
engagements of the joints are invaria
bly, suspicious indications of the pres.
ence of the disease. On killing a fow1
affected usually whitish or yellowisE
spots on the surface of the spleen anc
intestines are found and also on the
liver in larger number. When cue into
these spots are more or less cheesy
in form and prove to be tubcrcula7
masses.
Treatmcnt-There is no treatment
that will cure fowl tuberculosis. Whc1
the disease is discover every effcr
| should be made to eradicate it at once
If the disease is present 10 any grea
extent in the flock the safcst plan i:
to kill the whole flock, burning thu
carcasses Of the affected birds ant
selling the healthy birds. Following
this the poultry houses, yards, run
and other places where poultry il
kept should be thoroughly disinfected
This treatment is rather drastic bu
necessary because of the virulence O
the disease. 1t is not unlikely tina
the greater part of the flock is affect
ed with the disease, and chances ar
that although apparently health,
birds are saved, some Of them will
only add a source of infection O
disease carriers to the rest of tn
flock or to new birds introduced. S.
far as is known there is no danger O
communicating fowl tuberculosis t.
the human family by eating affecte'
fowls after they have been properl,
cooked. However, most birds affecte,
with this disease are generally unfi
for human food because of thei
emaciated condition.