The Treatment and Prevention of Chicken-Pox (Contagious Epithelioma) of Fowls

Abstract

The relationship between the various pathological conditions of the head of domesticated fowls has been the subject of much controversy. These conditions are variously designated as chicken pox, contagious epithelioma, avian diphtheria, canker, colds, contagious catarrh, swelled-head, roup, etc. Ward and Gallagherl in their recently published work, “Diseases of Domesticated Birds,” express the opinion that all of these conditions are due to the same etiological factor, namely, “the filterable virus of chicken-pox or contagious epithelioma.” The results of extensive study of these diseases at the California Agricultural Experiment Station, however, have led us to the conclusion that, as they occur in California, there is a distinct difference between some of them.

Classification of Diseases Involving the Skin or Mucous Membrane of the Head:—In order that there may be no misunderstanding of the nomenclature of lesions or diseases used in this discussion, I will give briefly our conception of them. . . .