Bumble foot is a bacterial infection that causes necrotic lesions on footpads, or less commonly, on hocks and toes of chicken. It can be superficial (not deep) to deep.
It is characterized by inflammation and ulcers when penetrate skin. If not treated, ulcer formation, as a result of the condition, may lead to abscess formation and fibrosis, specifically on the hock joint.
Common causes of Bumble foot
– Ammonia in bedding: Wet/damp bedding increases ammonia production ( > 30% moisture). Feces build-up also increases ammonia, this create microenvironment pH 11. Irritation, leads to open wound.
– Captive birds
– Constant walking on hard, rough, or sharp surfaces. These develop small wounds susceptible to bacterial infection in open wounds
– Common strains such as staphylococcus, Pseudomonas and Escherichia coli (E. coli), with S. aureus being the most common cause of the infection. These enter open wound
Breeds at risk of infection
Larger poultry breeds such as Cochins, Brahmas, Orpingtons, Jersey Giants, etc. These have larger amount of pressure on feet causing swelling, elevated surface in affected area, creating a bulge or bump rough, red skin, (Severe) brown or black scab, rough to the touch.
Common poultry behavior if affected include Limping, lameness with abnormal stance and inability to properly use a limb. In bumblefoot, this is due to pain and abnormal skin tissue
Prevention:
– Daily check up on poultry through examination helps catch early bumblefoot
– Dry bedding, these should be cleanwith no feces so as to lessen ammoniaemission
– Use shaved down wood/surfaces if non-free ranging birds
– Prevent splinters which can lead to bumblefoot
– Proper diet helps in providing necessary nutrients to fight infection
What happens if not treated?
It is very rare for infection to disappear. If not treated, it will proceed through Scores over a period of a couple weeks. Infections will spread to bones and tendons. This causes pain and death
Birds may have trouble walking and getting access to food or water. They will show weakness in flock and other birds may pick on injured bird
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