The Rural Voice, 1993-03, Page 16QUICK-FIT
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HORST WELDING
R.R. 3, Listowel, Ontario N4W 3G8
(519)-291-4162
FAX (519) 291-5388
Dealer enquiries Invited
12 THE RURAL VOICE
Diagnostics
Cellulitis in broiler chickens
by Dr. S. Ernest Sanford
Veterinary Laboratory Services
Huron Park
Cellulitis in chickens refers to an
accumulation of yellow fluid and in-
flammation under the skin of broilers
and roasters. The inflammation usu-
ally starts around the vent then prog-
resses up between the thighs, around
the leg and may extend along the
abdominal wall and breast muscle.
Affected birds seldom show
any discomfort so the
problem is not usually
observed until they get to
the processing plant.
Cellulitis, first noticed in
the mid-1980s as an
occasional trivial finding at
plants, has progressed at an
alarming rate to become the
second most frequent cause
for condemnation of
Ontario broilers in the winter of 1992.
The condition is seen in all parts of
Canada but is most severe in Ontario.
U.S. estimates for condemnations
because of cellulitis currently exceed
$20 million/year ... and increasing.
Cause of Cellulitis
Escherichia coli (E. coli) is univer-
sally accepted as the cause of celluli-
tis. But E. coli is ubiquitous. It lives
in and around us and all other animals,
including birds. Hence, it is believed
that there must be some other factor(s)
responsible for or driving the rapid de-
velopment of this disease over the last
decade. Among these factors are:
characteristics of the E. coli agent; the
fast-growing broiler that has evolved
over the last decade; features of the
environment; management of broiler
operations experiencing cellulitis
problems. A national survey of
broiler producers has recently been
conducted in the U.S. specifically to
investigate some of the latter two
factors. Results from this survey
indicate that seasonal pattem (high in
November through May), airsacculitis,
inadequate feeder space, stocking
density, sex (more cellulitis in males),
skin scratches, hysteria, older breeding
flocks, wet litter, and anything that
increases mortality, were among the
main factors associated with cellulitis.
Conclusions
Although it was clear from the
survey that much uncertainty exists
about cellulitis certain conclusions
could still be drawn.
Cellulitis is associated with: (1)
airsacculitis, (2) early and (3) late
mortality, and (4) other diseases in
the broiler house.
Effective hatchery sanitation and
greater care in handling eggs from
broiler breeder flocks over 50
weeks of age may help reduce
cellul.tis.
Disease
$20
costs
rniUion.
a year
tnU.S
Nipple drinkers seem to
reduce the incidence of
cellulitis, perhaps
because of general
improvement in litter
conditions and/or flock
health.
General Comments
It would seem that our
fast-growing broilers are
probably more susceptible
(less resistant) to E. coli
infection than the older type of
chicken. Nevertheless, there are
several time -tested disease prevention
methods that are still applicable and
would reduce the incidence of
cellulitis even before we determine all
the factors that may be involved.
1. The Breeder Farm
Strict hen, nest box and egg sanitation.
Proper egg care. Careful handling of
eggs to prevent contamination and
sweating.
2. The Hatchery
Prevent bacterial penetration of the
egg. Prevent egg -to -egg and chick -to -
chick spread of infection. Is Day 1
bronchitis vaccination in the hatchery
causing skin damage and allowing E.
coli to penetrate and cause disease?
3. The Growing Barn
a. Reduce bacterial contamination
by careful clean-out and sanitation.
Fumigate if there was a problem in the
last flock.
b. Good ventilation. Keep pens
dry, dust and ammonia low.
c. Monitor for evidence of infection
and disease.
d. Medicate if necessary.
4. Prevent predisposing factors°
We have tried to keep our topics timely and
informative. However, we would welcome
any suggestions from readers for future
topics. We would also invite interested
persons to tour the facilities at the Diag-
nostics Laboratory at Huron Park. We
would ask that you make prior arrange-
ments by phoning 228-6691, Ext. 276.