Gangrenous dermatitis (GD) is a disease that causes severe economic losses in the poultry industry worldwide. Blue wing disease and cellulitis are other common names in chickens and turkeys, respectively. Clostridium septicum, Clostridium perfringens type A, and occasionally Clostridium sordellii are considered the main direct causes of GD, although Staphylococcus aureus and other aerobic bacteria may also be involved in some cases of disease with mixed bacterial infections. Clostridium and other disease organisms that cause GD are nowadays ubiquitous in the poultry house environment, making it unlikely they can ever be totally eliminated.
In an effort to reduce its impact on poultry production, Elanco has been studying GD to better understand possible causes and control measures of the disease.
Potential Causes of Gangrenous Dermatitis
Viral, environmental and other types of immunosuppression have been identified as some one of the key predisposing factors for GD. Moreover, excessive skin lesions associated with cannibalism and skin scratches in high stocking density conditions are also relevant and common field predisposing factors. Poor ventilation linked to wet litter and high ammonia levels can also trigger disease outbreaks when some, or all of the above-mentioned factors are present. In addition, some cases of GD in birds with intact skin have been associated with intestinal flora disbalance and inflammation of the intestinal mucosa followed by the absorption into the bloodstream of pathogenic bacteria.
in order to reduce Clostridium spore counts, after an outbreak, a complete clean-out, and deep cleaning and disinfection of houses is generally recommended. Clostridium spores are very resistant to adverse environmental conditions such as extreme temperature fluctuations and desiccation. Similarly, Clostridia are extremely hardy and capable of surviving harsh environmental conditions for long periods of time. In mild and moderate cases, drinking water acidification for at least seven days has shown some benefits if mortality is below 50 birds per day/house. Likewise, using various litter treatments such as sodium bisulfate, aluminum sulfate or salt to produce a significant reduction in pH of the litter, have been successfully used to reduce the occurrence of GD because they potentially restrict bacterial growth.
Understanding Impact of Gangrenous Dermatitis to Broilers
This disease condition often occurs in fast-growing broiler chickens between 4 and 8 weeks of age. However, GD has been also reported in broiler breeders, commercial layers and turkeys. Economic losses are substantial because much of the mortality occurs late in the life of the flock when much of the feed has already been consumed.
- GD typically occurs with a very short pathogenesis followed by increased mortality that in many cases can exceed 1/1000 birds per day.
- This clostridial disease is a major concern among the US poultry industry, leading to economic losses and mortality with gross skin and subcutaneous tissue lesions consisting of variable amounts of serosanguineous exudate together with severe emphysema and hemorrhages. These lesions are commonly located in the breast, back, abdomen, thighs, inguinal fold, tail and wings. Muscle tissue is also affected and may appear as raw, moist areas with air bubbles in areas of the body where the skin has experienced injury or trauma. In acute / severe cases the GD could impact over 100 broilers a day per house in susceptible farms.
Best Practices to Manage and Treat Gangrenous Dermatitis in Poultry
There are several key practical management strategies that poultry producers can implement to help with GD prevention. They include:
- Vaccination against immunosuppressive viral diseases.
- Ensure the poultry house is optimized to provide a healthy environment.
- Maintain good litter management and, if possible, conduct full litter cleanouts and good cleaning and disinfection practices between flocks.
- Implement longer downtime periods and reduce stocking density.
- Windrowing litter between flocks is another alternative to a total cleanout. This would help to minimize the total pathogen load of the litter.
- Frequently pick up and dispose of dead birds.
- Minimize injury to the skin and intestinal tract, which are the two main potential routes of infection. Don’t let the birds run out of feed; increased bird activity when feed is not available may result in more cuts, scratches and skin damage. Migration fences are also very important to prevent piling and excessive skin scratches.
A Strong Intestinal Integrity Program is essential to Prevent Disease
Good anticoccidial control provided by an effective anticoccidial program, as well as the use of certain pro and prebiotics, may help to maintain a healthy intestinal microflora and a tight intestinal mucosa barrier that keeps Clostridium or other disease-causing bacteria found in the intestinal lumen from passing into the blood stream and causing infection.
Creating a solid Intestinal Integrity program tailored to specific challenge conditions is one of the best strategies to minimize, prevent and control Gangrenous Dermatitis.
Elanco Technical Consultants can help develop specific plans and programs to manage GD in your specific poultry production system.
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PM-US-24-1014
