The Pageland Journal

POULTRY
WHITE DIARRHEA IS
CAUSED BY A GERM

White diarrhea in chickens, a very infectious disease which may be transmitted from chick to chick by contact, is caused by a germ which multiplies rapidly in the body of the chick, causing a severe diarrhea that proves fatal in a large majority of the infected flocks. It has been definitely proved that hens which appear healthy may carry in their organs of reproduction the germ which causes this disease and which manifests itself in the young chicks within two or three days after hatching. Healthy chicks in the same incubators or brooders may become infected by contact, or by eating food or drinking from vessels that have become contaminated with the droppings of these sick chicks.

White diarrhea usually develops quickly, causing a heavy loss in chicks that are a few days to a week or more of age.

The chicks huddle together, appear sleepy or stupid, and have no appetite. The droppings are white in color and this causes a condition called "pasted up behind." The chicks die within a few hours or days after the disease is noticed.

All sick chicks should be killed and, along with all litter, refuse, and feed that is found in the brooder house, burned. All utensils used in and about the brooder house and the house itself, should be thoroughly cleaned, scalded with boiling water, and disinfected. Only healthy chicks should be put in the disinfected brooder house.

It is best if possible to move them to entirely new quarters.

No satisfactory medical treatment for infected chicks has been found.

The disease may be prevented by hatching eggs from disease-free flocks.

Certain drugs used in the drinking water aid in preventing the spread of disease in chicks. Bichloride of mercury in the proportion of 20 grams to every gallon of water is recommended.

Sour milk or buttermilk should form a good part of the ration. To save a flock when the infection has once started requires constant care and untiring efforts.