3. Control Measures
Practical experience and scientific investigation have clearly proved that preventive measures are more economical and effective than curative. Failing prevention, 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 axiomatic 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.