Staphylococcosis

Transmission modes include transovarian, soiled eggs, secondary infection through wound, contaminated hatchery, and wet litter, which cause ammonia burns. Staph readily contaminates burnt skin.

Signs include down on hocks, swollen feet (bumblefoot) or hocks, high mortality in baby chicks (omphalitis), and gangrenous dermatitis. Morbidity and mortality are low with this disease.

Laboratory isolation of coagulase positive organisms. Staph isolation on blood agar produces white to orange smooth colonies. Type bacteria using phages (bacterial virus). It simulates Mycoplasma synoviae, viral tenosynovitis, Salmonella, E. coli, Pasteurella, and Streptococcus. Swollen, localized abscesses are characteristic for this disease.

Fumigate eggs and incubator, remove sharp objects from house, use clean dry litter, and use nipple‑drinkers for a dryer house to reduce the bacteria.   Pro and prebiotics given by feed or water at any early age of life.