Clostridial Infections of Growing Chickens

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Abstract
During 1963 and 1964 an unusual subcutaneous infection of growing chickens was seen in 6 flocks in Indiana. The infection was characterized by sudden onset, with morbidity and mortality varying greatly. A gangrenous cellulitis involved the sub-cutis and underlying muscles of the legs and latero-ventral abdominal wall. The serosanguineous exudate contained bubbles of gas, numerous large gram-positive, spore-bearing rods, some cocci, and small gram-negative rods. Clostridium septicum, C1. perfringens type A., staphylococci, and coliforms were isolated from the exudate and livers. The isolates of Cl. septicum caused a rapidly fatal gas gangrene when inoculated intramuscularly into guinea pigs, chickens, or turkey poults. Treatment of the affected flocks with tetracyclines appeared to be very effective.

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