Monday, January 4, 2016

Bacteria causing lame chickens identified

A bacteria has been found that causes lameness in chickens.

Researchers in the University of Arkansas discovered the bacteria by raising chickens on wire flooring.

Now that they know it’s Staphylococcus agenetis, they are closer to finding solutions. It’s also a bacteria that infects cows' udders.

Douglas Rhoads, professor of biological sciences and director of the Cell and Molecular Biology interdisciplinary graduate program, said ‘lameness in broiler chickens is a significant animal welfare and financial issue. This is the first report of this poorly-described pathogen in chickens.” Lameness in the Arkansas poultry industry could cost growers an estimated $20 million a year due the loss of birds, he said.


Lame birds are not fit for market.