An Outbreak of Gangrenous Dermatitis in Broiler Chickens Reared on Battery Cage Operation in Umuahia, Abia State Nigeria

A sudden outbreak of disease occurred after a broiler flock being reared on a battery cage was treated of chronic respiratory disease. The disease was marked by a short duration, high case fatality, rapid putrefaction and severe necrosis of the abdominal region evidenced by dark areas on the skin. There were areas of gas crepitation on the leg region. Necropsy revealed accumulation of red serosanguinous fluid in the affected subcutis with marked congestion of the musculature. Culture of the affected tissues yielded Clostridial and Staphylococcal spp in addition to E.coli. A combination of the clinical signs and laboratory evidence led to the diagnosis of gangrenous dermatitis. A successful treatment was achieved with the intramuscular administration of a long acting oxytetracycline and comprehensive cleaning and disinfection of the farm.