Avian cellulitis: a skin affection associated with economic losses in broiler chickens

This review was designed for focusing on cellulitis condition in broiler chickens regarding causes, clinical picture, and prevention measures of this condition. Cellulitis is an acute diffuse inflammation of subcutaneous tissues and muscles especially on the skin of thighs and abdomen. This condition is more common in broilers than others and it is usually associated with economic losses. At processing, low grade chicken carcasses and high incidences of condemnation are the sequels of cellulitis. Skin integrity, stocking density, and litter conditions are predisposing factors for induction of cellulitis. However, other infectious bacterial and immunosuppressive viral pathogens are associated with cellulitis. Affected birds display areas of yellow skin along with a plaque of pus underneath the skin and the underlying muscles show hemorrhages. Presence of caseous, yellowish to green, dark red, or brown fetid gangrenous exudate could also be observed in the advanced cellulitis cases. Prevention and control of cellulitis are based on application of hygienic practices, vaccination, antibiotic therapy, genetic selection, and nutrition.