A contact dermatitis of broilers -clinical and pathological findings.

A new skin condition of broilers which results in the downgrading of up to 15-30% of broiler carcases/week is described. Unsightly brown-black coloured erosions and ulcers occur on the breast, hock and foot skin. Histopathological examination of these revealed acute inflammation with necrosis of the epidermis and in more severe cases, the upper dermis. A study of the condition has shown a strong association between the appearance of lesions and poor litter conditions and that birds as young as 9 days may be affected. It is suggested that the condition is a contact dermatitis. A study of the development of lesions in one flock is also described.