Gangrenous Dermatitis in Poultry

Gangrenous dermatitis (GD) has been called cellulitis and clostridial dermatitis, especially in turkeys, and as gangrenous dermatomyositis, blue wing disease, and avian malignant edema, amongst others, in broiler chickens. GD is characterized by a sudden increase in mortality and lesions in the skin, subcutaneous tissue, and the underlying muscles, usually over the keel, abdomen, thigh, and wings. This chapter discusses the etiology, epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical signs, control, treatment, and prophylaxis of GD. Most of the outbreaks of GD have been associated with Clostridium septicum and C. perfringens, either alone or in combination with some of the aerobic bacteria mentioned above acting as secondary contaminants. When observed, clinical signs consist of depression, lack of coordination, lateral recumbency, inappetence, leg weakness, ataxia, and high fever. GD can be treated effectively with many antibiotics including chlortetracycline, oxytetracycline, erythromycin, and penicillin in the water, or with chlortetracycline in the feed.