The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1923-06-07
Poultry Diseases and Sanitation


During the last decade rapid strides
have been made in eradication and
prevention OF many OF the common
diseases of poultry, and many control
measures have been advised after
years of careful research. General
preventive measures are the lr~ynotes
to all successful poultry rs. :. BY
far the most vital of these 10 -. nita-
tion. This includes general cieanli-
ness about the premises, removal OF
droppings, we'll drained runways
warm, well ventilated houses, efficient
spraying at frequent intervals with
emcient disinfeetant, immediate reno
val OF sick and infected birds, and
any factor that may contribute to
the general sanitary condition of the
plant. Other factors OF equal impor-
lance are, the location and construc-
ton OF buildings, proper food and
plenty of exercise
the diseases most common, among
domestic fowl and those which cause
most serious losses may be divided in
TO two or three general clashes. The
first constitute those which might be
termed diseases of the digestive tract.
In this class are included cholera.
typhoid, diarrheal infections and other
troubles In which the seat of infec-
ton is in the alimentary canal. These
are OF short duration, usually and
FATALLY. The general symptoms are
similar in most of these diseases.
hence further investigation Is neces-
sary before diagnosis Is complete.
In acute forms the birds may be found
dead under the roost, while in less
acute forms death may not ensue for
five days to one week. "A general
study of the anatomy is valuable In
arriving at a diagnosis This should
be followed by post-mortem examin-
alton and If possible by confirmation
in the laboratory. Successful treat
nient of infected birds has never been
accomplished. In some cases intes-
final antiseptics have proved efIica-
eious. Removal of infected birds,
followed by a general disinfection, is
perhaps the most efficient meAQs of
combating these diseases.
In the second group are included
tuberculosis, roup and pox and other
diseases of the respiratory tract. TIL
Is perhaps the hardest to control. The
symptoms are seldom manifested I'M
til In the later stages. The tuber-
culin test, similar to that used in cat
tie, has been great aid in controlling
this disease. Reactors may be deter
mined and dispensed with. In a
heavily Infected flock, the best method
to apply Is the ak, followed by a re-
placement with healthy stock. Cen
eral sanitary measures, proper food
and ventilation may contribute toward
eradication.
Roup, or common colds, constitute
a serious trouble in many localities.
Decreased egg production and a gen.
eral depression of activity of the bird
are the most serious consequences.
Mortality is not heavy as a rule, but
the economic loss demands that this
disease be eradicated and controlled.
AS lack of sanitation contributes
largely to its spread, general clean
up of the premises should be inau-
gurated. This may be followed by
medication with antiseptics applied in
the drinking water. In some cases
individual treatment, whereby the d.
seased areas are removed, and the
wounds treated with iodine. may be
necessary.
Vaccination has been advocated by
some authorities, both as a preverta-
tive and curative measure. We have
found excellent results with its use
after treating some 10000 birds.
The third group constitute those
troubles known as nutritiOna1 diseas-
es such as govt, lameness, botulism,
etc. These are usually associated
with improper feeding, lack of exer-
else, or spoiled feed. The birds
should have plenty of green feed. SUI
fflcient minerals and above all be made
to work for their meals.
In addition to these may be in
cluded certain parasites such as lice,
ticks and worms which cause the
breeder considerable losses through
impaired vitality of the birds. SAM
tation again is one of the chief means
of control, followed by treatment with
various disinfectants and antiseptics.
In the treatment of worms tobacco
mixed with the mash has proved ben
efcial