HOW TO PREVENT POULTRY BIRDS FROM DISEASES

THE ravages of disease add considerably to the difficulties of raising poultry birds in all parts of the world. It is the experience of poultry rearers that an annual toll has to be paid in the lives of young birds and older stock. Sooner or later, in addition, an epi- demic may break out and result in heavy losses and much discouragement. It is most important, therefore, to be able to recognize the symptoms and to know the causes of the many diseases to which vari- ous kinds of poultry are subject, by that we can be able to prevent the disease. Every practical effort should be made to reduce avoidable mortality. Practical experience and scientific in- vestigation have clearly proved that pre- ventive measures are more economical and effective than curative. Failing preven- tion, everything points to the importance of dealing promptly with the first cases, owing to the risk of infection of the rest of the stock. Control measures may be divided into three classes : 1. Proper housing and feeding of fowls. 2. General sanitation and disinfection. 3. Administration of medicine to sick birds. The details to which special attention must be given are covered by the following rules : 1. Isolate birds recently purchased — ^for two or three weeks. 2. Isolate every bird that shows any sign of ill health. 3. Provide a fresh and pure supply of water in a shady position. 4. Add Epsom salts (one teaspoonful to a quart) once a week to the drinking water. Give chickens daily a liberal supply of bran in addition to their other food. 5. Feed birds on a varied diet, including green food. 6. Arrange that birds have to scratch for some of their food. 7. Construct houses, nest boxes, etc., so that they can be readily and thoroughly disinfected. Houses should be free from drafts. 8. Disinfect contaminated soil by spraying, liming, and resting. 9. Visit the roosts at night to detect cases of wheezing due to colds, and to search for mites and other pests. 10. Keep on hand disinfectants, lice powders and medicines likely to be required. 11. Regular and thorough disinfection of woodwork, of feeding vessels, and of the drinking water should form part of the routine of poultry management Keep to all these preventive measures and I assure you a disease free poultry.