Answer:

Roup is one of the most contagious and destructive diseases among fowls. It is a germ disease, and while contagion is generally the medium by which it is spread, it often times developes from aggravated colds which have been allowed to reach the stage where they are properly termed contagious catarrh.

The symptoms of roup in its early stages are very similar to those of catarrh. There is a watery discharge from the nostrils and breathing is difficult. Later the discharge becomes thicker, the nostrils are almost or entirely obstructed and the breathing is almost wholly through the mouth.

There is frequent sneezing and shaking of the head in attempting to clear the nostrils. The plumage is roughened, the comb turns very dark, there is much fever and loss of appetite. The fowl stands around listlessly, with head drawn in or carried hidden under the front portion of the wing.

After the disease is thoroughly developed there is a very offensive odor present, and this a never-failing distinguishing feature of roup.

The watery secretion previously referred to becomes thick, yellowish and profuse. It not only obstructs the nasal passages but accumulates in the throat and in the space or cavity in the head surrounding the eyes. It thus causes great swelling and the eyes are sometimes swollen entirely shut, forcing the eyeball out of the socket and destroying the sight.

The fowl becomes emaciated, weak and exhausted, and finally dies unconscious.

Roup in the most advanced stages is difficult to cure. Unless the bird is very valuable and the attendant has ample time to work with it, the best course is to kill and bury it.

The disease should be prevented by good strengthening food, plenty of exercise and clean, well-ventilated houses, free from draughts.

The afflicted birds should be given an internal remedy of a stimulating and tonic nature. A good one is as follows :

• Carbonate of Iron 2 drams
• Gentian Root 4 drams
• Cayenne Pepper 1 dram
• Flour of Sulphur 2 drams
• Hyposulphite of Sodium 1 dram
• Salicylate of Sodium 1 dram.
  

These should be well pulverized and thoroughly mixed. Four grains should be given for a dose once a day. Wet it and make into pellets or place it in capsules and force the fowl to swallow them.

It may be mixed with the mash if the fowl will eat. The mouth and nostrils should be washed once or twice a day with a solution of Boric acid, 15 grains to an ounce of water.

If the eyes are closed or to clear them of the sticky fluid generally present bathe them with salt water, a half teaspoonful of salt in a pint of water.

Sometimes it becomes necessary to open the swellings on the head and remove the pus which has accumulated. This should be done with a very sharp instrument, and the wounds kept filled and treated with antiseptic powder such as iodoform.

The throat, nostrils and cleft in the roof of the mouth connecting with the nostrils should be treated two or three times daily by injecting antiseptic solutions into them.

Many remedies have been found efficacious and cures have been effected with common coal oil or kerosene, but it is better to dilute it with half sweet oil.

Peroxide of Hydrogen is perhaps the best. It is cheap and of undoubted merit.

Whatever is used should be forced well to the affected parts with a syringe, medicine dropper, or even a small oil can such as used on ordinary sewing machines.

Some bad cases have been cured with Mexican Mustang liniment applied in this way.