BUMBLEFOOT DISEASE OF CHICKEN AND TREATMENT: POULTRY DISEASES

Bumble foot disease

Bumblefoot, also known as footpad dermatitis or plantar pododermatitis refers to any inflammatory or degenerative condition of the chicken's foot. It occurs commonly in birds kept in captivity. It is characterized by a pus-filled abscess that is covered by a black scab and is paired with lameness, swelling, and the infected bird’s reluctance to walk. If bumblefoot is recognized during the early stages, it is relatively easy to treat. In the degenerative conditions, it leads to the introduction of staphylococcus bacteria and is found on the;
• Toes,
• Hocks and
• Pads of a chicken’s foot.

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The severity of bumblefoot is graded using a 5-point scale and is usually related to whether or not there is an established infection present. Once an infection is established, the disease quickly becomes progressive and degenerative. It is a common problem for any birds kept in captivity and is similar to pressure ulcers or bed sores in humans.

Symptoms of Bumblefoot Disease
• Brown/black scab on the bottom of foot
• Swelling
• Lameness (limping)
• Reluctance to move
• Loss of appetite
• Depression
• Behavioral 
Causes of Bumblefoot Disease in Birds
• Wet beddings and floors
• Splinters
• Sharp wire ends or edges
• Jumping repeatedly from a perch (heavier breeds are at a higher risk doing this)
• Skin irritation caused by poor litter management.

 

Treatment and Prevention of Bumblefoot Disease in Chicken
• Eliminate all rough and sharp edges
• Soak the lesion in warm water filled with Epsom salts to soften the exterior. This will allow you to drain the lesion with hydrogen peroxide, filling it with antibiotic ointment once the pus and debris is cleared
• Bandaging the foot with colloidal dressings
• Administer proper antibiotics such as Corymed-20 for a specified amount of days, as prescribed and instructed by your veterinarian.
• Keep the affected bird separate from the time you find the disease and until treatment is complete, and provide them with adequate and dried bedding materials
• Provide clean and proper bedding on a regular basis.
•Have your perches less than 18 inches from the floor.

Always reach out to your Animal health professional for advice and guidance on how to handle diseases on your farm.

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