_a. Pigeon pox_ is a common infectious, contagious disease which usually affects unfeathered portions of the pigeon’s head and feet. Pox often develop on the mucous membrane, lining of the mouth and throat. In an outbreak, both types are usually seen. The pox appear as swellings covered with light yellow material and are sometimes called wet pock, diphtheria, or canker. (1) _Symptoms._ The course of the disease runs about 4 weeks. (_a_) The virus gets into the skin or mucous membrane and causes a wartlike swelling, called a pock, at the point of infection. The virus grows and causes the pock to enlarge for about 10 days. (_b_) During the next 10 days the tissues begin to die and turn yellow. Sometimes a blister forms in the pock, but only a slight enlargement occurs during this period. During the last 10 days the affected tissues begin to dry and form scabs which soon heal and drop off. (_c_) Pock in the mouth and throat follows the same course as in (_b_) above except they are covered with a light yellow layer of tissues. Instead of becoming a dry scab formation, the pock becomes a yellow cheesy formation. (2) _Treatment._ Usually this is of little value, as pox will run its course of about 4 weeks, regardless of treatment. (_a_) One percent yellow oxide of mercury ointment will help soothe affected eyes. (_b_) Pock in the mouth may be cut away, and the area painted with tincture of iodine or carefully cauterized with silver nitrate to stop bleeding. (_c_) Birds that refuse to eat may be fed by force until the disease runs its course. (_d_) Vaccination has no curative value on affected birds. (_e_) Thoroughly clean and disinfect loft after an outbreak of this disease. (3) _Prevention._ This is simple if all susceptible birds are vaccinated. Vaccination against pox is one of the most successful known because all birds receiving it are made permanently immune. Birds may be vaccinated at 5 or 6 weeks of age. (_a_) Pluck five or six feathers from the breast region of the bird and brush the vaccine into the follicles. (_b_) In about 10 days the follicles swell and a pock develops. This runs a course of about 4 weeks and heals. (_c_) All susceptible birds in a loft should be vaccinated at the same time and each should be examined for “takes” after vaccinations. _b._ PARATYPHOID is a common infectious disease of pigeons and is probably the most devastating of bacterial infectious diseases at the present time. It may affect the bird in many ways, and produce such a variety of symptoms that it is often mistaken for numerous other diseases. The only definite way of diagnosing paratyphoid is by laboratory tests. A tentative diagnosis can be made, however, upon observing typical symptoms.