Introduction

A complex condition of chickens and turkeys occurring worldwide associated with trauma, leg weakness, and infection with Staphylococcus spp. bacteria. Morbidity may reach more than 50% but the condition is not fatal. Poor feather cover and caked or wet litter are predisposing factors.

Signs

• Swelling over the keel bone with bruising and discolouration.

Post-mortem lesions

• Inflammation of sternal bursa along the keel bone which may, in chronic cases, give way to scar tissue.

Diagnosis

Based on lesions.

Treatment

Not usually appropriate.

Prevention

Good litter management and handling, control of leg problems.

Extracted From:

A Pocket Guide to Poultry Health and Disease by Paul McMullin© 2004