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Severe pododermatitis in broiler breeder hens housed on pressure-treated slats
J E Sander1, J L Wilson, P B Bush
1Department of Avian Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens 30602-4875.
Avian Diseases
|January 1, 1994
Summary
Chromated copper arsenate (CCA) treated lumber in broiler hen housing may cause severe foot-pad dermatitis. Birds on CCA-treated slats, especially with disinfectant, showed the earliest and most severe lesions and detectable arsenic in foot pads.
Area of Science:
- Poultry Science
- Animal Husbandry
- Toxicology
Background:
- Foot-pad dermatitis is a significant welfare issue in broiler production.
- Previous housing materials may influence the incidence and severity of foot-pad lesions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential link between chromated copper arsenate (CCA) pressure-treated lumber and foot-pad dermatitis in broiler hens.
- To assess the impact of CCA-treated slats, with and without cresylic acid disinfectant, on lesion development and arsenic accumulation.
Main Methods:
- Broiler breeder pullets were housed for 17 weeks on slats made from untreated oak or CCA-treated lumber.
- One set of each slat type was treated with cresylic acid disinfectant.
- Foot-pad lesions were scored, and tissue arsenic levels were measured.
Main Results:
- All groups developed foot-pad lesions.
- Lesions were most severe and developed earliest in birds housed on CCA-treated, disinfected slats.
- Detectable arsenic levels were found only in the foot pads of hens housed on CCA-treated slats.
Conclusions:
- Contact with CCA-treated lumber, particularly when combined with cresylic acid disinfectant, is associated with increased severity and earlier onset of foot-pad dermatitis in broiler hens.
- Arsenic from CCA-treated lumber can accumulate in broiler foot pads, suggesting a direct toxicological effect.
