THE REALITIES ABOUT POULTRY The Modern Farm - The Realities About Poultry_Seco | Page 96

eventually enlarge and form masses of yellow, dirty crusts. In about a week, these scabs darken and
fall off. Wet pox forms cheesy masses in the mouth, nose and throat, which interfere with eating and
drinking.
Antibiotics may be administered to prevent bacterial infections but the best method of control and
prevention is by vaccination of day-old chicks.
This virus is capable of surviving for a long time in infected material, such as scabs and litter. Such
material should therefore be incinerated.
(3) Marek's Disease (MD)
This disease usually affects birds two to five months old and causes lymphoid tumors. Symptoms
vary according to the position of the tumors. Usually the nerves are affected and spastic paralysis
occurs either in the legs, wings or neck. The virus of MD can remain infective for many months in
litter or dry feathers. MD is prevented very effectively by vaccinating day-old chicks. Buy only
vaccinated chicks.
Page 95 of 163