Problems attributed to coliform infections
are often caused by strains of the Escherichia coli organism.
There is a marked variation in severity. Problems range from severe
acute infections with sudden and high mortality to mild infections
of a chronic nature with low morbidity and mortality. Infections
may result in a respiratory disease from air sac infection, a
septicemic (blood) disease from generalized infections, an enteritis
from intestinal infection or a combination of any or all of these
conditions. The disease may result from a coliform infection alone
as in primary infection or in combination with other disease agents
as a complicating or secondary infection. Secondary infections
commonly occur as a part of the classic air sac disease syndrome
as a complication with Mycoplasma gallisepticum infections.
All ages can be affected; however,
the acute septicemia in young turkeys and airsacculitis in young
chickens is more common in young growing birds. High, early mortality
may occur as the result of navel infections.
The symptoms of this disease is caused
by the E. coli bacteria and the toxins produced as they
grow and multiply. There are many different strains or serological
types within the group of E. coli bacteria. Many are normal
inhabitants in intestinal tracts of chickens and turkeys and consequently
are common organisms in the birds' environment.
A marked variation exists between different
strains in their ability to cause disease. Some are severe and
by themselves can cause disease while others are supposedly harmless.
All degrees of pathogenicity exist between the two extremes.
The primary routes of invasion by the
organism are the respiratory system and the gastrointestinal tract.
Omphalitis and infections in young birds may result from entry
through the unhealed navel or penetration of the egg shell prior
to or during incubation.
The symptoms vary with the different
types of infections. In the acute septicemic form, mortality may
begin suddenly and progress rapidly. Morbidity may not be apparent
and birds in apparently good condition may die. However, in most
cases birds are listless with ruffled feathers and indications
of fever. Additional symptoms of labored breathing, occasional
coughing and rales may be apparent. Diarrhea may be evident. Mortality
may be high in recently hatched chicks and poults as a result
of navel infection of coliforms.
Extremely acute septicemic infection
may result in sudden death with very few, if any, lesions apparent.
Common lesions include dehydration, swelling and congestion of
the liver and spleen and kidneys and pinpoint hemorrhages in the
viscera. Fibrinous to caseous exudate in the air sacs, heart sac
and on the surface of the heart, liver and lungs is a characteristic
lesion. The intestines may be thickened and inflamed and may contain
excess mucus and areas of hemorrhage. Navel infections, similar
to those described for omphalitis may be seen in young birds.
Diagnosis by laboratory means is necessary
since coliform infection in its various forms may resemble and
be easily confused with many other diseases. Isolation and identification
of the organism by culture procedures can be accomplished relatively
quickly; however, mere isolation is not sufficient to make a diagnosis.
One must take into consideration the organ from which the organisms
were isolated, the pathogenicity of the particular isolate and
the presence of other disease agents.
Management and sanitation practices
designed to reduce the number of these types of organisms in the
birds' environment are necessary. In addition, reducing stress
factors and other disease agents can enhance the ability of birds
to defend against harmful infections. Providing adequate ventilation,
good litter and range conditions, properly cleaned and disinfected
equipment and facilities and high quality feed and water will
improve the disease resisting status of the birds. The poultryman
must always avoid overcrowding, environmental stresses like chilling
or overheating and avoid vaccination or handling stress during
periods when the birds are already subjected to stressful conditions.
Proper egg handling, good hatchery management and implementing
a good sanitation program is necessary to reduce early exposure
of chicks or poults to disease organisms. It is always emphasized
that problems due to one of the more pathogenic strains may occur
even under ideal conditions.
The response of coliform infections
to various medications is erratic and often difficult to evaluate.
Under practical conditions, treatment is often disappointing.
Drug sensitivity varies with the strain of E. coli causing
the condition. Laboratory tests to determine the sensitivity to
the various drugs are useful to select the most beneficial drugs.
When practical, moving birds to a clean environment may be of
more value than medication. For example, when outbreaks occur
in growing turkeys in the brooder house, moving to range is often
the best treatment.
Organisms in the genus Mycoplasma are
a significant cause of respiratory disease in poultry. Of the
numerous species of Mycoplasma that have been isolated from domestic
poultry, three are of known significance. Mycoplasma gallisepticum
is associated with chronic respiratory disease (CRD)/air sac syndrome
in chickens and turkeys and infectious sinusitis of turkeys; Mycoplasma
meleagridis is associated with airsacculitis in turkeys; and
Mycoplasma synoviae is the cause of infectious synovitis
in chickens and turkeys.
Chronic respiratory disease (CRD),
air sac syndrome and infectious sinusitis of turkeys have a common
cause. CRD was first recognized as a chronic but mild respiratory
disease of adult chickens. It reduced egg production but caused
little or no mortality. Afterward, a condition known as "air
sac disease" became a problem in young birds. It caused high
mortality in some flocks. Many birds became stunted, feed efficiency
was reduced, and many fowl were rejected as unfit for human consumption
when processed.
Infectious sinusitis in turkeys produces
a sinus swelling under the eye as well as an inflammation of respiratory
organs. It is a chronic disease adversely affecting growth and
feed conversion. It may also cause significant mortality in young
poults.
A peculiar bacterial-like organism
known as Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) is common to all
three conditions. CRD and sinusitis in turkeys are caused by a
pure MG infections while the air sac syndrome is caused by an
infection of MG in combination with E. coli. These conditions
are triggered by acute respiratory infections such as Newcastle
disease or infectious bronchitis.
Mycoplasma gallisepticum is widespread and affects many species of birds.
Eradication programs
have reduced the incidence in recent years. It is primarily spread
through the egg. Infected hens transmit organisms and the chick
or poult is infected when it hatches. Organisms may also be transmitted
by direct contact with infected or carrier birds.
The true CRD produces slight respiratory
symptoms such as coughing, sneezing and a nasal discharge. In
the air sac syndrome there is an extensive involvement of the
entire respiratory system. The air sacs are often cloudy and contain
large amounts of exudate. Affected birds become droopy, feed consumption
decreases and there is a rapid loss of body weight.
Infectious sinusitis in turkeys occurs
in two forms. When the "upper" form is present, there
is only a swelling of the sinus under the eye. In the "lower"
form, the lungs and air sacs are involved. The air sacs become
cloudy and may contain large amounts of exudate. Both forms of
the disease are usually present in the flock and frequently are
present in the same bird.
Diagnosis of either condition must
be based on flock history, symptoms and lesions. Blood tests are
useful in determining whether a flock is infected.
The answer to the MG problem in both
chickens and turkeys is eradication of the disease organisms.
This goal has been achieved in commercial breeding flocks with
voluntary programs conducted by the National Poultry Improvement
Plan (NPIP) and National Turkey Improvement Plan (NTIP). The treatment
of CRD, air sac syndrome and the lower form of infectious sinusitis
is not considered satisfactory. Many antibiotics have been used
with varying success. Whether to give treatment is a decision
that must be made on each flock based on economic factors. If
treatment is attempted, give high levels of one of the broad spectrum
antibiotics (Tylosin, aureomycin, terramycin, gallimycin) either
in feed, drinking water or by injections. The "upper";
form of infectious sinusitis can be treated with success by injecting
antibiotics into the swollen sinus cavity.
This disease occurs throughout the
country wherever poultry is produced and in recent years has become
the most hazardous infectious disease of turkeys. Host range is
extensive and includes chickens, turkeys, pheasants, pigeons,
waterfowl, sparrows and other free-flying birds.
The causative organism of fowl cholera
is Pasteurella multocida. The organism can survive at least
one month in droppings, three months in decaying carcasses and
two to three months in soil. Pasteurella apparently enters tissues
of the mouth and upper respiratory tract. The disease is not transmitted
through the egg.
Major sources of infection include:
Studies indicate that animals other
than birds may serve as reservoirs of infection and actively spread
the disease. These animals include raccoons, opossums, dogs, cats,
pigs, and vermin.
The disease is seldom seen in chickens
under four months of age, but is commonly seen in turkeys under
this age. In the peracute form, symptoms may be absent; in the
acute form some birds may die without showing symptoms, but many
others are visibly ill before death. Characteristic symptoms include
stupor, loss of appetite, rapid weight loss, lameness resulting
from joint infection, swollen wattles, difficult breathing, watery
yellowish or green diarrhea and cyanosis or darkening of the head
and wattles.
Lesions may be lacking in birds dying
during peracute outbreaks. When present, lesions may resemble
those associated with any acute septicemic bacterial infection,
often those of fowl typhoid. Typical lesions may include pinpoint
hemorrhages in the mucous and serous membranes and/or abdominal
fat; inflammation of the upper third of the small intestine; light,
firm "parboiled" appearance of the liver; enlarged and
congested spleen; creamy or solid collection of material in joints;
and cheesy material in the internal ear and air spaces of the
cranium of birds having twisted necks. Turkeys may have pneumonia
with solidification of one or both lungs.
A tentative diagnosis may be made on
flock history, symptoms and postmortem lesions. A definite diagnosis
depends upon isolation and identification of the organism.
Properly administered bacterins are
helpful in preventing fowl cholera, particularly in turkeys. Their
use must be combined with a rigid program of sanitation. In general,
as it applies to the use of bacterins in turkeys, complete protection
is unrealistic. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for
use of the bacterin. Vaccination in conjunction with treatment
is not recommended.
Sanitation practices that aid in preventing
the disease are:
Although drugs usually alter the course of a fowl cholera outbreak, affected birds remain carriers and the disease has a tendency to recur when treatment is discontinued. This may necessitate prolonged treatment with drugs added to the feed and water. Sulfa drugs and broad spectrum antibiotics (Penicillin) usually control losses.
Necrotic enteritis is an acute disease
that produces a marked destruction of the intestinal lining of
the digestive tract. Common field names (rot gut, crud and cauliflower
gut) accurately describe the condition. The cause of the disease
is Clostridium perfringens, a spore-forming, rod-shaped
bacterium. Bacterial organisms and their toxins are the primary
cause but coccidiosis may be a contributing factor. Most of the
damage to the intestinal lining apparently is due to toxins produced
by the bacterial organisms.
Little is known about the spread of
the disease but transmission is thought to occur by oral contact
with the droppings from infected birds. Necrotic enteritis appears
suddenly in the affected flock. Apparently healthy birds may become
acutely depressed and die within hours. Mortality is usually between
two and ten percent, but may be as high as thirty percent in severe
outbreaks. Losses due to reduced growth and feed conversion may
be more costly than flock mortality.
Lesions of the disease usually involve
the lower half of the small intestine, but in some instances the
entire length of the tract is involved. The intestine is dilated,
contains dark offensive fluid and a diphtheritic cauliflower-like
membrane that involves the mucosa. The lining of the intestine
will have a coarse Turkish-towel appearance and portions of the
lining may slough off and pass out with the intestinal contents.
Diagnosis in based upon history, symptoms and findings of the
characteristic lesions.
Bacitracin or virginiamycin are effective
treatments administered in the feed. Bacitracin can also be given
in the drinking water. Supportive vitamin treatment may enhance
the effectiveness of the treatments. Preventive medication may
be of value on premises where prior infections have been observed.
Since coccidiosis may be a contributing factor, attention must
be given to an effective coccidiosis control program.
Ulcerative enteritis is an acute or
chronic infection of game birds, chickens, turkeys and other domestic
fowl. Death losses may be high for young quail or pullets being
raised for egg production.
The cause of the disease is Clostridium
colinum, a spore forming bacterial rod. The infection spreads
by the droppings from sick or carrier birds to healthy birds.
The disease organism is very resistant to disinfectants and will
persist under varying environmental conditions.
Birds with the acute form may die suddenly
while in good flesh, whereas more chronically affected birds become
listless, have ruffled feathers, whitish watery diarrhea, and
develop a humped-up posture. Such birds usually die in an extremely
emaciated condition.
The dropping may be confused with those
of birds with coccidiosis and the two diseases are often seen
in the same bird. Droppings of birds with only ulcerative enteritis
never contain blood.
The postmortem lesions are characteristic.
The entire intestinal tract often has button-like ulcers but the
lower portion is most often affected. These ulcers often perforate,
resulting in local or generalized peritonitis.
Although the disease is characteristic
in nature, anyone suspecting the infection should seek professional
confirmation before treatment is started. Bacitracin and penicillin
are the most effective drugs in the treatment and prevention of
this disease. If bacitracin is used, it should be incorporated
in the feed at levels up to 200 grams per ton of feed. Addition
of bacitracin to the water at the rate of one teaspoon per gallon
aids in controlling an outbreak of the disease. Either method
of administering bacitracin will control the disease within two
weeks, unless a bacitracin-resistant strain of the disease organism
is present. Penicillin is also used to treat the disease if bacitracin
is not effective.
Raising birds on wire is an effective
preventative measure. Specific drugs (bacitracin or penicillin)
fed at low levels, are effective for controlling the disease in
operations where the use of wire flooring is impractical.
Pullorum disease is an acute or chronic
infectious, bacterial disease affecting primarily chickens and
turkeys, but most domestic and wild fowl can be infected.
The cause is a bacterium named Salmonella
pullorum.
This organism is primarily egg transmitted, but
transmission may occur by other means such as:
Disease organisms may enter the bird
through the respiratory (as in the incubator) or digestive systems.
Most outbreaks of acute pullorum disease in chickens or turkeys
result from infection while in the hatchery.
Pullorum disease is highly fatal to
young chicks or poults, but mature birds are more resistant. Young
birds may die soon after hatching without exhibiting any observable
signs. Most acute outbreaks occur in birds that are under three
weeks of age. Mortality in such outbreaks may approach ninety
percent if untreated. Survivors are usually stunted and unthrifty.
Infection in young birds may be indicated by droopiness, ruffled
feathers, a chilled appearance with birds huddling near a source
of heat, labored breathing, and presence of a white diarrhea with
a "pasted-down" appearance around the vent. The white
diarrhea symptom instigated the term "bacillary white diarrhea"
that was commonly associated with this disease at one time. Gross
lesions may be lacking in some adult birds.
Diagnosis in young birds is made by
isolating the causative organism in the laboratory. In older birds,
blood testing may indicate an infection but a positive diagnosis
depends upon isolation and identification of the organism by laboratory
procedures.
Complete eradication is the only sound
way to prevent pullorum disease. All hatchery supply flocks should
be tested and only pullorum-free flocks used as a source of hatching
eggs. Purchase chicks or poults from hatcheries that are officially
recognized as "Pullorum Clean" by National Poultry Improvement
Plan representatives in your state.
Treatment primarily is a salvage operation
and does not prevent birds from becoming carriers. Consequently,
do not keep recovered flocks for egg production. Among the drugs
used to treat pullorum disease are furazolidone, gentamycin sulfate,
and sulfa drugs (sulfadimethoxine, sulfamethazine, and sulfamerazine).
Fowl typhoid is an infectious, contagious
bacterial disease that is usually acute but sometimes chronic.
It affects most domestic and wild fowl including chickens, turkeys,
ducks, pigeons, pheasants and other game birds. It must not be
confused with typhoid fever in humans that is caused by a distinctly
different organism.
The cause in the bacterium, Salmonella
gallinarum. Methods of transmission are the same as for pullorum
disease, including egg transmission. However, mechanical transmission
is more prevalent with this disease than with pullorum disease.
Any age bird can be infected, but the
disease primarily occurs in young adults (usually those older
than twelve weeks of age). Mortality varies from less than one
to about forty percent, but higher mortality has been observed.
Signs include sudden or sporadic mortality, listlessness, green
or yellow diarrhea (accompanied with pasting of the vent feathers),
loss of appetite, increased thirst and a pale, anemic appearance
of comb and wattles.
A tentative diagnosis may be made from
the history, signs and lesions but final diagnosis must be based
on isolation and identification of the causative organism. Lesions
observed at necropsy help verify a diagnosis of fowl typhoid.
The lesions include an enlarged and mottled spleen, enlarged liver
(colored yellow or greenish brown), small pinpoint hemorrhages
in muscles and fat surrounding internal organs, and a slimy inflammation
of the front third of the small intestine. Small, white plaque-like
areas are visible through the walls of the intestine is suggestive
of fowl typhoid in turkeys. Blood tests used to detect pullorum
reactors are also used to identify fowl typhoid birds.
Prevention and control depend heavily
upon basic disease prevention practices including the hatching
chicks from disease-free flocks (as determined by pullorum testing),
practicing strict sanitation on the farm, providing clean feed
and water, and proper disposal of all dead birds as approved by
the state animal health agency. The causative organism can live
outside the bird body for at least six months, thus requiring
extra management precautions to break the disease cycle. Following
an outbreak, thoroughly clean and disinfect the premises. When
feasible, practice range rotation and other special precautions
to prevent the carryover of infection to the following flock.
Drugs cannot be depended upon as a
means of typhoid prevention and are not recommended for that purpose.
Infected birds may be salvaged using the same drugs as used to
salvage pullorum infected birds.
Botulism is a disease caused by the
ingestion of a toxin produced by the Clostridium botulinum
bacterium. All domestic fowl and most wild birds are susceptible
to the toxin's effects. Many human deaths have also been attributed
to the consumption of food or water containing the toxin.
Botulism is not a bacterial infection,
but a condition produced by a byproduct of the bacteria's growth.
The organism is common in nature and is widely dispersed in soils.
Ingestion of the organism is not harmful. It becomes dangerous
only when conditions are favorable for its growth and subsequent
toxin formation. The organism grows best under high humidity and
relatively high temperature and in an environment containing decaying
organic material (plant or animal). The organism requires an environment
in which all atmospheric oxygen is eliminated. The organism cannot
multiply in the presence of air. Stagnant pools or damp areas
with buried decaying matter are danger areas for toxin development.
Botulism results after the decaying animal or plant material containing
the toxin is consumed. Decaying carcasses are a frequent source
of the toxin, as are many insects feeding in the same tissue.
The insects may contain enough toxin to cause the disease in any
bird that ingests it. Since the toxin is water soluble, water
sources may become contaminated and provide a reservoir for the
disease.
The toxin is one of the most potent
discovered by scientists. The toxin is relatively heat stable
but may be destroyed by boiling. There are different types of
the toxin; types A and C cause the disease in birds while type
B frequently produces the disease in man.
Weakness is generally the first sign
of the illness and is followed by progressive flaccid paralysis
of the legs, wings and neck. When neck muscles are affected the
head hangs limp, thus causing a condition referred to as "limberneck".
Affected birds may have a peculiar trembling, loose feathers that
are pulled out easily and dull partly closed eyes. Some birds
(turkey) do not develop loose feathers or limberneck symptoms.
Because of the paralysis, birds are unable to swallow and mucous
accumulates in the mouth. Fatally affected birds may lie in a
profound coma appearing lifeless for several hours before death.
Significant lesions are not usually observed in affected birds.
Examining digestive contents may reveal insects, decomposed animal
or vegetable material or other matter suggesting that the birds
have consumed the toxin.
A tentative diagnosis can be made from
the history, symptoms and post-mortem findings. As an aid to diagnosis,
sick birds may be given water into the crop, kept in a cool environment
and treated intravenously with antitoxin. Recovery of a large
percentage of the affected birds would substantiate diagnosis.
Prevention should be aimed at eliminating
sources of toxin production and preventing access of birds to
such materials. These practices include prompt removal of all
dead animals from houses and pens, debeaking the birds, controlling
fly and insect populations and avoiding access to decaying organic
material. Contaminated water supplies are particularly dangerous.
If the disease strikes, locate and
remove the source of the toxin and separate all visibly affected
birds from the flock for treatment. Place sick birds in a cool
shaded area and give fresh water into the crop, twice daily. Mild
laxatives may be used for birds that have been exposed but do
not show disease symptoms. Epsom salts (one pound per 100 birds)
may be mixed into feed. Adding a level teaspoonful of Epsom salts
in one ounce of water and placing in the crops of sick birds has
been beneficial in many instances. Antitoxin therapy is indicated
only in birds that have high individual value since the antitoxin
is difficult to obtain and is expensive.
Infectious coryza is a specific respiratory
disease in chickens that occurs most often in semi-mature or adult
birds. Infection may result in a slow-spreading, chronic disease
that affects only a small number of birds at one time, or in a
rapid spreading disease with a higher percentage of birds being
affected. The occurrence of infectious coryza is not widespread
and the incidence is relatively low.
The disease is caused by a bacterium
known as Hemophilus gallinarum. Outbreaks usually result
from the introduction of infected or carrier birds into a flock.
Transmission of the infection occurs by direct contact, airborne
infection by dust or respiratory discharge droplets and drinking
water contaminated by infective nasal exudate. Susceptible birds
usually develop symptoms within three days after exposure to the
disease. Recovered individuals may appear normal but remain carriers
of the organism for long periods. Once a flock is infected, all
birds must be considered as carriers.
The most characteristic symptoms of
infectious coryza include edematous swelling of the face around
the eyes and wattles, nasal discharge and swollen sinuses. Watery
discharge from the eyes frequently results in the lids adhering
together. Vision may be affected because of the swelling. The
disease results in a decrease in feed and water consumption and
an increase in the number of cull birds. An adverse effect on
egg production usually occurs in proportion to the number of affected
birds.
Diagnosis can be confirmed only by
isolation and identification of the causative organism. The organism,
Hemophilus gallinarum, is extremely fastidious and often
difficult to isolate.
Prevention is the only sound approach
in controlling infectious coryza. It usually can be prevented
by management programs that eliminate contact between susceptible
and infected birds. It requires only separating affected or carrier
birds from the susceptible population. In order to prevent the
infection, introduce started or adult birds only from sources
known to be free of the infection. If infection occurs, complete
depopulation followed by thorough cleaning/disinfecting is the
only means for eliminating the disease.
A number of drugs are effective for
treating the symptoms of the disease although the disease is never
completely eliminated. Sulfadimethoxine or sulfathiazole in the
feed or water or erythromycin administered in the drinking water
can reduce the symptoms of this disease.
Omphalitis may be defined technically
as an inflammation of the navel. As commonly used, the term refers
to improper closure of the navel with subsequent bacterial infection
(navel ill; mushy chick disease).
Apparently, most problems result from
mixed bacterial infections including the common coliforms and
various species belonging to the genera Staphylococcus, Streptococcus,
Proteus, and others. Omphalitis can usually be traced to faulty
incubation, poor hatchery sanitation or chilling/overheating soon
after hatching (such as in transit). The significance of isolating
one of the bacterial species mentioned above is complicated in
that many of the same species can be isolated from the yolks of
supposedly normal birds immediately after hatching.
Omphalitis occurs during the first
few days of life, so it cannot be considered transmissible from
bird to bird. It is transmitted from unsanitary equipment in the
hatchery to newly hatched birds having unhealed navels.
Affected chicks usually appear drowsy
or droopy with the down being "puffed up". They also
generally appear to be of inferior quality and show a lack of
uniformity. Many individuals stand near the heat source and are
indifferent to feed or water. Diarrhea sometimes occurs. Mortality
usually begins within 24 hours and peaks by five to seven days.
Characteristic lesions are poorly healed
navels, subcutaneous edema, bluish color of the abdominal muscles
around the navel and unabsorbed yolk material that often has a
putrid odor. Often yolks are ruptured and peritonitis is common.
A tentative diagnosis can be made on
the basis of history and lesions. The presence of mixed bacterial
infections and absence of any specific disease-producing agent
is used for confirming the diagnosis.
Good management and sanitation procedures
in the hatchery and during the first few days following hatching
are the only sure ways to prevent omphalitis. Broad spectrum antibiotics
help reduce mortality and stunting in affected groups, but they
do not replace sanitation.
Erysipelas is a bacterial disease caused
by Erysipelothrix insidiosa. The disease affects several
species of birds including chickens, ducks and geese, but the
fowl in which it has been of primary importance is the turkey.
Man is susceptible to infection and may contract the disease from
infected turkeys. Since this organism is pathogenic for man, care
should be taken when handling infected birds or tissues.
Erysipelas in turkeys occurs most often
during the fall and winter months and usually affects birds that
are four to seven months of age, although any age bird is susceptible.
Incidence has often been reported to be higher in males than in
females, possibly because fighting males receive numerous skin
abrasions that serve as portals of entry for the bacteria. In
some instances the incidence is higher in hens than toms because
of artificial insemination techniques that provide a means of
transmission.
The organism may survive for long periods
in the soil and most outbreaks are thought to originate from contaminated
soil or premises. Sheep, swine and rodents may be carriers of
the disease organisms. Recurrence of the disease on a premise
is common. Predisposing or aggravating factors include over-crowding
damp or inclement weather and poor sanitation and range management.
The first indication of the disease
may be the discovery of several dead birds. Usually several morbid
birds can be found; however, most affected birds are visibly sick
for only a short period before death. Symptoms are typical of
a septicemic disease and include a general weakness, listlessness,
lack of appetite and sometimes a yellowish or greenish diarrhea.
Occasionally, the snood of toms may be turgid, swollen and purple.
Some birds may be found lame with swollen leg joints due to localization
of the infection. In breeding flocks, this disease occasionally
is associated with decreased fertility and hatchability. Daily
morbidity and mortality usually are low; however, in untreated
flocks mortality may persist for some time and become excessive.
The most characteristic lesions are
small or diffuse hemorrhages located in almost any tissue or organ.
Such hemorrhages are commonly observed in the muscles, heart,
liver, spleen, fat and other tissues of the body cavities. Hemorrhagic
conditions of skin may result in purple blotches. The liver and
spleen are usually enlarged, congested and occasionally contain
necrotic foci. Enteritis or inflammation of the intestinal tract
is commonly observed, as in most septicemic diseases.
Symptoms and lesions may resemble other
diseases so closely that a reliable diagnosis can be made only
through isolation and identification of the causative organism.
Good management practices that aid
in preventing erysipelas include avoiding the use of ranges previously
occupied by swine, sheep or turkeys where erysipelas is known
to have existed. Debeaking, removal of the snoods of toms, measures
that prevent injury from fighting, avoiding overcrowding and providing
well drained ranges will aid in preventing this disease problem.
Bacterins are available and are useful
on premises where history indicates that outbreaks may be a problem.
The amount and duration of protection is relative to the amount
of exposure and may not be sufficient for the entire laying period.
Administer bacterins in accordance with the manufacturer's directions.
Move sick birds to a hospital pen for
individual treatment and to prevent cannibalism. Moving unaffected
birds to a clean range may aid in preventing the spread of the
disease but may also contaminate an additional range.
Various antibiotics have shown efficacy
in treating erysipelas; however, penicillin is best. Penicillin
injections in the leg or breast muscles of visibly sick birds
is effective in decreasing mortality. One injection is usually
sufficient, but more may be given if necessary. Water and feed
medication may be of value under certain conditions.