Losses associated with Necrotic Enteritis in poultry
Necrotic Enteritis is a serious condition that affects the well-being of poultry and the revenue of poultry producers worldwide. In the clinical form of this condition, the birds suffer from symptoms such as diarrhea, ruffled feathers, depression, immobility, dehydration, and lack of appetite. A reduction in feed intake and performance are indicators of the sub-clinical form of necrotic enteritis.
Necrotic Enteritis is a costly intestinal disease that has severe consequences for gut health. Producers face costs of USD 0.050 to USD 0.063 per bird due to this disease. Mortality rate is usually around 10% but has been recorded to be as high as 50%! The global economic impact of Necrotic Enteritis is estimated at an enormous US$5-6 Billion per year!
Toxin-producing bacteria Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens) are the culprits that cause NE. The toxins this bacteria excretes destroy the intestinal lining, enter the bird’s bloodstream and may damage other organs. Quick diagnosis and execution of a strict treatment regime will help to avoid the spread of the disease via the wet litter. Moreover, addressing the quality of dietary intake will also contribute to gut health to maximize the flocks production output. Poultry with optimized gut health will have a stronger resilience against Necrotic Enteritis.
