Related Experiment Videos
Excessive mortality in market-age turkeys associated with cellulitis
D Carr1, D Shaw, D A Halvorson
1Department of Veterinary Diagnostic Medicine, University of Minnesota, College of Veterinary Medicine, St. Paul 55108, USA.
Avian Diseases
|July 1, 1996
Summary
Increased turkey mortality was linked to cellulitis, a condition causing swelling and fluid accumulation. Experimental reproduction confirmed Clostridium perfringens type A involvement in turkey cellulitis outbreaks.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Avian Medicine
- Bacteriology
Background:
- Commercial turkey flocks experienced significant mortality between 13-16 weeks of age.
- The condition, characterized by cellulitis, led to a persistent weekly mortality rate of 1-2%.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cause of increased mortality in commercial turkeys.
- To identify the causative agent and characterize the lesions associated with cellulitis.
Main Methods:
- Examination of seven field cases of turkey cellulitis.
- Isolation of bacterial agents from affected birds.
- Experimental reproduction of lesions using field case-derived material.
Main Results:
- Lesions initiated on the tail ventrum, presenting as swelling and vesicles.
- Gelatinous fluid accumulation in subcutis and darkened/petechiated musculature were observed.
- Clostridium perfringens type A was isolated from two cases; experimental inoculation reproduced field lesions.
Conclusions:
- Clostridium perfringens type A is implicated as a causative agent of cellulitis in commercial turkeys.
- The experimental reproduction validates the role of the isolated bacteria in the observed pathology.