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.
