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Updated: Jun 28, 2026

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A Ligated Intestinal Loop Model in Anesthetized Specific Pathogen Free Chickens to Study Clostridium Perfringens Virulence
Published on: October 11, 2018
Experimentally induced necrotic enteritis in chickens
B S Cowen1, L D Schwartz, R A Wilson
1Department of Veterinary Science, College of Agriculture, Pennsylvania State University, University Park 16802.
Avian Diseases
|October 1, 1987
Summary
Necrotic enteritis was experimentally induced in broiler chickens, with an observed incidence of 1.3-10%. This range was lower than previously reported, and Clostridium perfringens was inconsistently isolated.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Veterinary Medicine
- Microbiology
Background:
- Necrotic enteritis is a significant enteric disease in broiler chickens.
- Previous studies reported a wide incidence range of necrotic enteritis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To experimentally induce necrotic enteritis in broiler chickens.
- To compare the observed incidence with literature values.
- To investigate the isolation of Clostridium perfringens.
Main Methods:
- Broiler-type chickens were used in five experimental trials.
- Necrotic enteritis was induced through specific dosing protocols.
- Chickens were monitored for disease incidence.
- Clostridium perfringens was isolated from liver and intestinal samples.
Main Results:
- Necrotic enteritis was successfully produced in three of five trials.
- The observed incidence ranged from 1.3% to 10%.
- This incidence was lower and narrower than previously reported ranges (5.6-37.3%).
- Clostridium perfringens was inconsistently isolated from dosed chickens.
Conclusions:
- Experimental induction of necrotic enteritis in broiler chickens is achievable.
- The incidence rate in this study was lower than previously documented.
- Inconsistent Clostridium perfringens isolation suggests complexity in disease pathogenesis or detection.

