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What Is Necrotic Enteritis?

L. Baran
L. Baran

Necrotic enteritis is an infectious, intestinal disease found in broiler chicken flocks. It is caused by bacteria found in dirt, soil, feces and, to some extent, in the intestinal tracts of healthy chickens. Due to the fact that the disease can spread quickly, significant financial loss may occur from an outbreak amongst broiler flocks.

The bacteria responsible for causing this type of broiler disease is called clostridium perfringens. This is an anaerobic bacteria, meaning that it does not require oxygen to survive. The bacteria must mutate into a toxic form to cause enteritis. One of the complexities of the disease is that it can be caused by a number of different types of the clostridium perfringens bacteria.

Lethargy is one of the initial signs of necrotic enteritis.
Lethargy is one of the initial signs of necrotic enteritis.

At first, the presence of necrotic enteritis may not be obvious. Early symptoms of the disease include diarrhea and lethargy. As it progresses, birds may exhibit depression, damaged feathers, reduction in the frequency of feedings, or stop eating all together. They may stop growing due to poor absorption of food by the damaged intestines. Ultimately, birds will die from the infection.

Analysis of the intestinal tract of an infected bird will reveal severe swelling, distention from gas, and lesions. A dark brown, pungent fluid will be present in the small intestine. In its acute form, death can occur in days. In other forms, decline may take over a month, making these forms far more dangerous to the flock. By the time the infection has been identified, many birds will have contracted it, and the financial implications of loss can be significant.

There are a number of factors that can increase the likelihood that a bird will contract necrotic enteritis. One of the most common causes is the composition of the bird's diet. Feed that is composed mainly of cereal grains or animal by-products such as fish meal is more likely to lead to outbreaks than vegetarian feed. Cereal grains, including barley and rye, are high in fiber that broiler flocks cannot digest, making the intestinal environment more susceptible to bacterial growth.

Since necrotic enteritis outbreaks are so costly to the agricultural industry, avoiding them is very important. Many broiler flocks are routinely fed antibiotics with their feed, while the feed itself is more carefully selected to reduce the amount of animal by-products and indigestible grains. Strict hygiene procedures are enforced in broiler flock housing areas to prevent the entry and spread of infection. Housing temperature is also monitored, as warm, moist conditions can assist the proliferation of bacteria.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is necrotic enteritis and what causes it?

Necrotic enteritis is a serious gastrointestinal disease primarily affecting poultry, caused by the bacterium Clostridium perfringens. This bacterium proliferates in the intestine, producing toxins that result in tissue death. Factors contributing to the disease include high dietary protein, intestinal damage, and concurrent diseases that disrupt the gut flora.

What are the symptoms of necrotic enteritis in poultry?

Symptoms of necrotic enteritis in poultry include depression, ruffled feathers, reduced appetite, and diarrhea. In acute cases, sudden death may occur. Upon necropsy, the intestines may show characteristic lesions with a foul odor. Chronic cases result in poor growth and feed conversion, impacting flock productivity.

How is necrotic enteritis diagnosed in animals?

Diagnosis of necrotic enteritis is typically made by observing clinical signs, post-mortem examination revealing necrotic lesions in the intestines, and isolation of Clostridium perfringens from affected tissues. Laboratory tests, including PCR and microbiological culture, can confirm the presence of the pathogen and its toxins.

Can necrotic enteritis be treated, and how?

Treatment for necrotic enteritis involves antibiotics to combat Clostridium perfringens, though antibiotic resistance is a growing concern. Supportive care, such as fluid therapy and dietary adjustments, can help manage symptoms. Prevention through good husbandry practices, vaccination, and probiotics is more effective than treatment.

Is necrotic enteritis a concern for human health?

While necrotic enteritis is not directly transmissible to humans, the condition poses an indirect risk to human health. The use of antibiotics to treat outbreaks can contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which can affect humans. Additionally, the economic impact on poultry production can affect food supply and prices.

What are the best practices to prevent necrotic enteritis in poultry farms?

Preventing necrotic enteritis involves maintaining good flock management, including biosecurity measures to minimize pathogen exposure, optimizing nutrition to reduce intestinal stress, and using prebiotics and probiotics to support a healthy gut microbiome. Vaccination against Clostridium perfringens is also an effective preventive strategy.

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    • Lethargy is one of the initial signs of necrotic enteritis.
      By: WavebreakmediaMicro
      Lethargy is one of the initial signs of necrotic enteritis.