Occurrence: Worldwide. Species affected: All. Age affected: All.

Causes: Deficiency of vitamin B2 (riboflavin) in the diet. Most grains are deficient in vitamin B2, therefore it must be included in the premix.

Effects: Curled toes, poor growth, weakness and emaciation are seen in young birds. Leg muscles are atrophied and flabby. The skin is dry and harsh. In adults, poor hatchability and egg production can occur. Dead embryos have "clubbed" down feathers. Poults have severe dermatitis of the feet and shanks and incrustations on the corners of the mouth.

Vitamin B2 is a cofactor in many enzyme systems. Many are associated with oxidation-reduction reactions that are involved in cell respiration.

Most grains are deficient in B2; therefore, it must be added in the premix.

Curled toes, poor growth, weak and emaciation are seen in young birds. Leg muscles are atrophied and flabby. The skin is dry and harsh. Poor hatchability and egg production can occur in adults. Dead embryos have "clubbed" down feathers. Poults have severe dermatitis of the feet and shanks and incrustations on the corners of the mouth.

Enlarged sciatic and brachial nerve, leg muscles are atrophied and flabby in young birds. Adults have enlarged fatty (yellow) livers.

Postmortem lesions (curled toes) are characteristic.

It simulates Marek’s disease (MD), since both have enlarged peripheral nerves. Histologically, nerves are oedematous for B2 deficiency and contain lymphocytes with MD.

Quality control of the diet.

Increase B2 in diet. Vitamin B2 is needed for correct functioning of the peripheral nervous system.

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