What is Dermatitis in Turkeys?
Dermatitis is a significant disease impacting turkey growers, posing challenges due to its impact on turkey health and farm productivity. Characterized by various clinical signs and lesions on the birds, dermatitis is one of the most significant diseases affecting commercial turkeys in the US (USDA-APHIS, 2012). This article aims to explore the causes, symptoms and signs, diagnosis, solutions, and strategies for preventing and reducing the incidence of this disease.
Clostridial Dermatitis
Clostridial dermatitis, often referred to as dermatitis by turkey growers, is a severe condition in turkeys. Known by several other names in the poultry industry, including necrotic dermatitis, cellulitis, and gangrenous dermatomyositis, it has been most commonly referred to as gangrenous dermatitis since 2017 (Li et al., 2010; Huff et al., 2013).
Cause
The primary causative agents of clostridial dermatitis are bacteria from the Clostridia genus, predominantly Clostridium septicum and Clostridium perfringens. These bacteria are ubiquitous in the environment (Songer, 1996), meaning they can be found almost everywhere, including in soil, litter, water, and on the skin and intestines of birds. They produce spores that are extremely resilient and difficult to eliminate (Briolat & Reysset, 2002).
Clostridia thrive in low-oxygen and high-moisture environments (Mead & Impey, 1970), making wet litter and contaminated feed or dust ideal for their growth. These bacteria are commonly found in feces, dust, contaminated feed, and intestinal contents. When clostridial growth is unchecked, it compromises the gut barrier, allowing viruses, other bacteria, parasites, and toxins to enter the circulatory system, leading to systemic infections (Gornatti-Churria et al., 2018).
Rodents and insects, particularly darkling beetles and their larvae, are known vectors for spreading clostridia, facilitating the disease's spread within and between flocks (Hinkle & Hickle, 2008). Immunosuppression, skin lesions from cannibalism or fighting, overcrowding, feed shortages, poor diets, wet litter, high ammonia levels, and mycotoxins in feed are environmental factors that predispose turkeys to gangrenous dermatitis (Gornatti-Churria et al., 2018).
Symptoms and Signs
The symptoms of clostridial dermatitis in turkeys can occur at any age. Typically, it is seen in older birds but can be seen in brooder houses if mortality removal is not managed well.
- Depression and lethargy: Affected turkeys often show signs of depression and lethargy, becoming less active, and showing reluctance to move.
- Sudden death: Clostridial dermatitis is an acute death in what appears to be healthy turkeys. The disease is very contagious and toxic to other turkeys.
- Lack of coordination and leg weakness: As the disease progresses, turkeys may exhibit a lack of coordination and leg weakness, which hampers their mobility.
- Visible lesions: Lesions typically develop on the tailhead, inguinal area, and breast and are often accompanied by fluid-filled vesicles.
- Internal damage: The liver and spleen of afflicted turkeys may take on a "cooked" appearance, indicative of severe internal damage.
- Tissue destruction: Extensive tissue destruction is also a common symptom, underscoring the disease's aggressive nature (Clark et al., 2010).
Diagnosis
Diagnosing clostridial dermatitis involves isolating and testing for clostridial spores from lesions on affected birds. While clostridia are the primary culprits, other organisms, such as Staphylococcus species, may also be present (Gornatti-Churria et al., 2018). Clinical signs, mortality, and pathology can diagnose clostridial dermatitis. Gram-positive rods are visible with gram staining of a skin impression smear. Definitive diagnosis involves a fluorescent antibody test or culturing the dermis on anaerobic media, confirmed by biochemical reactions (Clark et al., 2010).
Prevention and Management
Several strategies may be employed to manage clostridial dermatitis in turkeys:
- Antibiotics: Antibiotic treatment can be effective in controlling bacterial infections. However, the choice of antibiotics should be made based on sensitivity testing to ensure efficacy and under the direction of a veterinarian (Marshall & Levy, 2011).
- Managing Mortality: Removal of impacted birds is critical in controlling and eliminating dermatitis. Birds decompose very quickly after death and are very contagious due to clostridial spores rapidly being released into the environment.
- Water Sanitation: Maintaining water quality is critical in helping to control the spread of dermatitis from bird to bird. Acidifying and chlorinating the water to maintain a pH of less than 6 and free chlorine of 3-4 ppm in water system. If measuring ORP (oxidation reduction potential), a level of greater than 700 can eliminate the bacteria from surviving in the water system. Using solutions, like chlorine dioxide, not only controls the bacteria but keeps water lines clean and free from slime build-up.
- Total Cleanouts: Thorough cleaning and disinfection of turkey houses and litter are crucial. If liquid disinfectants are used, they must saturate 3-4 inches into the soil to be effective (USDA-APHIS, 2012; Clark et al., 2010).
- Feed additives: Additives, such as probiotics and phytogenics, can also be effective in reducing clostridial presence in the gut and providing pathogen control. CLOSTAT® from Kemin contains Bacillus subtilis PB6, which attacks and kills Clostridia and other pathogenic bacteria that can negatively impact the gastrointestinal tract. VANNIX® C4 is a blend of phytogenic ingredients and a probiotic used to minimize the impact of enteric challenges on poultry performance.
- Acidifying the floor of houses can also be effective in controlling clostridia. During grow-out it is recommended to apply an acid-based product to the litter where mortality has occurred to help prevent the spread of dermatitis.
- Biosecurity: Rigorous biosecurity measures are essential to prevent clostridial dermatitis in turkeys. This includes controlling rodents and insects, especially darkling beetles, through regular monitoring and control programs (Clark et al., 2010).
Conclusion
Clostridial dermatitis in turkeys significantly impacts bird health and farm productivity. Effective management involves understanding the disease's causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments. Key strategies include robust biosecurity measures, utilization of targeted feed additives, and proper water sanitation to reduce the impact of pathogens. By adopting these practices, turkey growers can maintain healthier flocks and achieve better economic outcomes.
References
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Clark, S., Porter, R., McComb, B., Lippert, R., Olson, S., Nohner, S., & Shivaprasad, H. L. (2010). Clostridial dermatitis and cellulitis: An emerging disease of turkeys. Avian Diseases, 54(2), 788-794. https://doi.org/10.1637/9147-111309-Review.1
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