GANGRENOUS DERMATITIS

exp date isn't null, but text field is

Causative Agent(s)

Causes of gangrenous dermatitis are Clostridium septicum, Clostridium perfringens type A and

Staphylococcus aureus, either singly or in combination.

Clinical Presentation and Epidemiology

Clinical signs of gangrenous dermatitis include varying degrees of depression, incoordination, inappetence, leg weakness and ataxia. Since the period of illness is short, usually less than 24 hours, birds are often found acutely dead. Mortality rates ranges from 1—60%.

Diagnostic Consideration

Gross and histologic lesions, isolation, and identification of the causative agent(s). In field cases of gangrenous dermatitis, staphylococci and clostridia can be isolated from exudates of skin and subcutaneous tissue or underlying muscle.

Management and Treatment

Administration of chlortetracycline, oxytetracycline (50mg/kg for 3-5 days), erythromycin (25mg/kg for 5 days) or penicillin in water and chlortetracycline 200-400g/ton of feed.

Water acidification with citric and propionic acid has been used to reduce but not eliminate mortality in flocks where antibiotics are no longer effective.

Prevention can be achieved by administration of a mixed clostridial bacterin at 1 day of age has been shown to reduce losses in flocks due to gangrenous dermatitis, however, its use at present is not widespread.