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

Causes: Vitamin E and/or selenium deficiency in the diet.

Effects: Muscles are pale, chicks stand with their legs far apart. A weeping dermatitis appears as a blue-green lesion.

All species of birds at all ages can be affected by exudative diathesis, which is produced by a Vitamin E and/or selenium deficiency in diet.

Selenium is involved in vitamin E metabolism. Selenium is involved in proper development of skin and muscles and is a mineral involved in coenzyme formation. There is a wide variability in the amount of selenium in soils which can influence the selenium content of grains and hence the diet.

See also Selenium deficiency; Vitamin E deficiency.

Muscles are pale, chicks stand with their legs far apart and a weeping dermatitis appearing as a green-blue lesion can be seen.

Greenish-blue exudate under the skin and subcutaneous oedema usually around breast or leg are evident.

Gross lesions are adequate for the diagnosis. It simulates gangrenous dermatitis.

Quality control of dietary selenium content.

Restore the normal levels to the diet.

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