Gangrenous dermatitis and fowl pox result in skin sores in chickens.
Chickens can have sores on their skin because of various diseases. Gangrenous dermatitis and fowl pox are two diseases that cause skin sores in various areas of the chicken. Gangrenous dermatitis is often fatal while fowl pox seldom causes death. The two diseases require different management responses to prevent infection of other chickens in the flock.
Gangrenous Dermatitis
Gangrenous dermatitis is a bacterial disease that affects chickens 4-8 weeks of age. Three things are required for gangrenous dermatitis to affect a large population of chickens: sufficient presence of the bacteria Clostridium septicum, Clostridium perfringens or Staphylococcus, some type of injury to the chicken's skin and immune suppression. Also known as gangrenous cellulitis, wing rot and red leg, gangrenous dermatitis first shows up as small pimples on the skin. The infection progresses to the point that the skin is raw or dark, with the underlying muscle exposed. Sometimes, jelly-like red fluid forms under the skin. Common infected areas are the breast, abdomen, rump and wings. Death usually occurs quickly when gangrenous dermatitis is caused by the Clostridium bacteria.
Gangrenous Dermatitis Management
Since gangrenous dermatitis occurs when chickens have suppressed immune systems, it is paramount to maintain a clean coop and proper diet for the chickens. Overcrowding, heat and poor diet all contribute to poor immune systems, which opens the door to gangrenous dermatitis. Anything that can lead to chickens damaging their skin, such as contact with other animals, protruding nails and wires and overcrowding, should be avoided. Once an outbreak has taken place, immediately putting an ounce of iodine disinfectant stock solution in every gallon of drinking water every other day for a total of three times has been shown to be effective to stop the spread of the disease. Thorough cleaning and disinfecting of the coop will also help to manage the outbreak.
Fowl Pox
Fowl pox is a relatively slow-spreading viral infection that comes in two forms. The dry form causes raised, scab-like lesions on parts of the chicken without feathers, such as the feet and head, while the wet form causes lesions in the mouth and throat. Both forms of fowl pox can affect a chicken at the same time. If the scabby lesions are removed before they properly heal, the skin becomes raw and bleeds. While the dry form of fowl pox rarely causes death, the lesions from the wet form of fowl pox may cause death by obstructing the throat. The disease is transmitted by mosquitoes and direct contact with infected birds.
Fowl Pox Management
While there is no treatment available for fowl pox, fowl pox vaccine is commercially available. The chicken should be vaccinated at 12 to 16 weeks of age. About seven to 10 days after vaccination, the site of vaccination on the wing should have some swelling or a scab. Since fowl pox is a slow-spreading disease, immediate vaccination of the chicken flock after discovery of the infection will prevent an outbreak.
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