Necrotic EnteritisPREPARED BY :

MUBIN FAISAL AHMED

PH # +923327592192

Definition

An acute bacterial infection primarily of chickens and turkeys, although other avian species can be affected.

Characterized by sudden death, friable and distended intestines, and severe necrosis of the intestinal mucosal.

Etiology

Clostridium perfringens (types A or C) and their toxins (parti. Alpha toxin and sialidase)

Anaerobic, spore forming, Non-motile, Gram-positive rods ;double-zoned hemolysis on blood-agar plates.

Alpha toxin is produced by C. perfringens type A and C and beta toxin is produced by C. perfringens type C and is responsible for the mucosal necrosis.

C. perfringens are ubiquitous and are normal inhabitants of the intestinal tract.

Intestinal mucosal damage is necessary for the Clostridia to proliferate and produce sufficient toxin.

Clinical Signs

The acute onset of depressed, ruffled birds occurs; these birds rapidly progress to death.

There is a rapid increase in mortality (5-50%).

No specific clinical signs are seen

Lesions

Lesions are usually found in the mid-small intestines, which are distended and friable.

Intestinal contents consist of foul-smelling brown fluid and the mucosa is covered by a brownish diphtheritic membrane.

Severe dehydration with darkening of the breast muscle and swelling and congestion of the liver may also be present.

Lesions

Refrences

Diseases of Poultry Sixth edition 2008

Color Manual Diseases of Birds(Japan International Agricultural Council March, 2000)