Staphylococcosis occurs worldwide in poultry of all ages. It is caused by gram positive, cluster-forming bacterium ubiquitous Staphylococcus aureus. Common skin contaminate or secondary infections and occur in the joints.
- Causes of Staphylococcosis >
- Effects of Staphylococcosis >
- Diagnosis of Staphylococcosis >
- Treatment & Control of Staphylococcosis >
Causes of Staphylococcosis
All species of bird of all ages are susceptible to this acute to chronic disease. The agent involved in the aetiology is Staphylococcus aureus, which is a gram-positive coccoid-shaped, ubiquitous organism found in clusters.
Mode of transmission
Transmission occurs by soiled eggs, secondary infection through wound, contaminated hatcheries and wet litter, which cause ammonia burns. Staph readily contaminates burnt skin.
Special note
This organism leads to trimming and downgrading at the processing plant. It is a common contaminate of skin and secondary infections occur in the joints following viral infection or stress. Staph is a leading cause of arthritis and synovitis in poultry. Arthritis and synovitis are a leading cause of Condemnation (parts) in the broiler processing plant. Staphylococcosis is the second most common bacterial disease of chickens. Staphylococcal synovitis is a common problem in broiler breeders in the rearing period, often due to improper feed and feed distribution restrictions.
Effects of Staphylococcosis
Signs include down on shock, swollen foot pads (Bumblefoot) or shock, high mortality in baby chicks (omphalitis), and gangrenous dermatitis.
Morbidity and mortality are low with this disease.
Post mortem lesions
Lesions may include Exudate on heart, liver and yolk in chicks, puss in joints and breast blisters.
Osteomyelitis (yellow areas of focal caseous Exudate in the bones) and septicemia (congestion of liver, spleen, kidney and lungs) may occur.
Diagnosis of Staphylococcosis
Laboratory isolation of coagulase positive organisms. Staph isolation on blood agar produces smooth white to orange colonies. Type bacteria using phages (bacterial virus).
It Simulates Mycoplasma synoviae, viral tenosynovitis, Salmonella, E. coli, Pasteurella and Strephococcus.Swollen, localized abscesses are characteristic for this disease.
Treatment & Control of Staphylococcosis
Prevention
Fumigate eggs and incubator, remove sharp objects from house, use clean dry litter, and use nipple drinkers for house to reduce the bacteria.
Treatment
Novobiocin (200-350 g / t), Penicillin, Lincomycin and Strephomycin are effective.
