Philippine Fowl Disease.

Abstract

What is believed to be a new disease of fowls recently appeared in the Philippines. The epizootic began in September, 1927, and proved to be highly contagious. The first case of the disease appeared in Manila and rapidly spread over an area having a radius of about 50 miles with Manila as the center of the infection. By February 1, 1928, it has been estimated that at least 50,000 fowls have succumbed as a result of this disease. Both males and females are affected and fowls of all ages are susceptible. The disease has been prevalent in chickens, and a few cases have been noted in ducks and geese.

Symptoms: The onset of the disease is sudden. Chickens at first show an indisposition to move about, preferring to sit or stand quietly in a secluded spot. Very early in the course of the disease there is a diarrhea which gradually improves if the fowl is to recover. Gasping for air associated with jerking movements of the head downward and backward is a characteristic symptom. This is caused by large quantities of tenacious mucus which obstructs the posterior nares and pharynx. Many fowls die of suffocation early in the course of the disease. Excessive thirst is noted in many cases and the crop is often filled with large quantities of water and mucus as well as foul smelling gas in some instances.

Occasionally there is a bloody diarrhea but this is not a common symptom. The fowls usually die within 1 to 7 days following the onset of symptoms. If the fowl is to recover from the disease the mucus in the nose and throat disappears but the fowl gradually develops a paralysis of the legs which may be either unilateral or bilateral. Of those fowls which recover from the acute symptoms and develop paralysis only a small percentage (about 5%) fully recover from the paralysis. Paralyzed fowls may live for indefinite periods provided they are fed by hand and given water at regular intervals by medicine dropper. Fully 99% of fowls develop paralysis if they survive the acute stages of the disease.