Gangrenous dermatitis (GD), also known as blue wing disease or cellulitis, is a disease that poses a significant economic threat to the poultry industry worldwide. It is primarily caused by Clostridium septicum, Clostridium perfringens type A and occasionally Clostridium sordellii, although mixed infections involving Staphylococcus aureus and other aerobic bacteria may also be involved in less direct cases. Given the ubiquitous presence of Clostridium and other GD-causing organisms in poultry house environments, it is unlikely that they can ever be completely eradicated.

In an effort to mitigate its impact on poultry production, Elanco has been studying GD to better understand potential causes and control measures.

Potential Causes of Gangrenous Dermatitis

Some of the key predisposing factors for GD in high stocking density conditions include viral and environmental immunosuppression, along with excessive, cannibalism-related skin lesions and scratches. Poor ventilation, linked to wet litter and high ammonia levels, may also contribute. Likewise, intestinal flora disbalance and inflammation of the intestinal mucosa allows for pathogenic bacteria to enter the bloodstream, triggering potential outbreaks.

After an outbreak occurs, a thorough clean-out and disinfection is typically recommended to reduce Clostridium spore counts. Clostridium spores are highly resistant to adverse environmental conditions such drastic temperature fluctuations and desiccation and are able to survive in these harsh environments for extended periods of time. In cases of mild to moderate severity, acidifying drinking water for at least seven days has proven to be beneficial if mortality is below 50 birds per day/house. In addition, utilizing various litter treatments such as sodium bisulfate, aluminum sulfate or salt to lower litter pH have been shown to effectively prevent the occurrence of GD by hindering bacterial growth.

Impact of Gangrenous Dermatitis on Broilers

Although GD often occurs in fast-growing broiler chickens between 4 and 8 weeks of age, the disease has also been reported in broiler breeders, turkeys and commercial layers. Notable economic losses are caused by high mortality rates of the flock later in life, after considerable amounts of feed have already been consumed.

The disease has become a major concern within the US poultry industry due to its economic implications and mortality rates caused by subcutaneous tissue lesions consisting of serosanguineous exudate, severe emphysema and hemorrhages. These lesions are commonly found in the breast, back, tail, abdomen, thighs, inguinal fold and wings. Infected muscle tissue that has sustained injury may appear as raw, moist areas with air bubbles under the skin. GD typically occurs with a rapid pathogenesis leading to increased mortality that can exceed 1/1000 birds per day. In more severe cases, GD could impact over 100 broilers a day per house in susceptible farms.

Best Methods to Manage and Treat Gangrenous Dermatitis

Key management strategies that poultry producers can implement to prevent GD include:

The Significance of an Intestinal Integrity Program in Disease Prevention

The combination of an effective anticoccidial program and the use of certain pro/prebiotics can help to maintain healthy intestinal microflora and a tight intestinal mucosa barrier. This prevents infection by prohibiting Clostridium or other disease-causing bacteria found in the intestinal lumen from passing into the bloodstream.

One of the best strategies to minimize, prevent and control GD is to implement a solid Intestinal Integrity program tailored to specific challenge conditions.

Elanco Technical Consultants can help develop specific plans and programs to manage GD in your specific poultry production system.