Clostridial Dermatitis: A New Concern among Turkey Farmers

Clostridial dermatitis (CD) which was previously known with various names such as cellulitis, gangrenous dermatitis, malignant edema, spontaneous Clostridial myonecrosis etc. has come out as an emerging disease in Turkey bird farming. Gangrenous dermatitis was thought to be caused due to a number of organisms like Clostridium septicum, Clostridium perfringens type A, Clostridium sordelli, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Streptococcus sp. But recently, more reports have been published in support of Clostridium spp. as the major causative agent of dermatitis. The clinical signs like reduced growth, deprived appetite, ataxia, and oedema in muscles of the lower abdomen and inner thighs are characteristics of this disease. Gross lesions includes excessive congested musculature accompanied by serosanguinuous fluid accumulation and emphysema. There were areas of areas of gas crepitation on breast and thighs muscles and sloughing of skin. Mortality in farms recorded to increase in 17-20 week age group of Turkey birds. From 2008, it has been continuously ranked under top three diseases issue of turkey farms of US. Because of mortality at marketing age, increase condemnation of carcass and expensive medicinal treatment, turkey farmers have to suffer significant economic loss. Therefore in this article we have tried to discuss the risk factors, prevention and control of disease by managemental means and recent development of vaccines and other possible strategic control measures. It can be noted that as this issue is relatively new to Turkey industry, so there is less availability of conclusive published articles and various essential research are ongoing in different labs.