Dermatitis

 

Introduction :

• Dermatitis is primary a disease of the broiler over 4 weeks of age but also occurs in replacement pullets up to 18 weeks of age. 

• CI septicum and CI. perfringens Type A have been implicated in this disease but in many outbreaks Staphylococcus aureus in also involved. 

• There is also a link with IBD and poor management and high stocking rates are predisposing factors.

Clinical findings :

• There is increased mortality in the flock, affected birds die within a few hours and carcass rapidly decompose with a foul odour.

Diagnosis :

• The history, clinical signs and necropsy picture are almost pathognomic.

• Bacterial culture can be misleading since both Staphylococci and Clostridial organisms are present on the skin of normal fowls.

Treatment :

• No treatment has proved completely successful because of the nature of the Iesions and the multifactorial cause.

• Penicillins, tetracycline or bacteracin may be given in the food or drinking water.