Profiling of Egg Layer Flocks Affected with Focal Duodenal Necrosis Based on a Questionnaire Survey

Abstract

Focal duodenal necrosis (FDN) is an intestinal disease of egg-laying chickens, characterized by multifocal mucosal erosions in the duodenal loop and proximal jejunum. It is currently considered by the Association of Veterinarians in Egg Production and the United States Animal Health Association as one of the top five disease concerns of the table egg industry in the United States. Previous studies have associated this condition with Clostridium species. The purpose of this study was to investigate the epidemiologic characteristics of table egg layer flocks affected with FDN. An online questionnaire was distributed to commercial layer operations in different states in the United States. Layer farms that had diagnosed FDN within the past 12 mo were surveyed. The questionnaire had 45 questions about management, nutrition, housing, and methods for disease prevention and control. Thirty-seven surveys were sent and 21 were completed, which represents a response rate of 56.7%. The survey results showed the presence of FDN in five egg-layer genetic lines or breed crosses of different ages, with most cases reported between 30-39 wk of age. The pullets were cage-reared in all affected flocks and the majority of flocks in production were housed in traditional cages. Most of the FDN-affected flocks received more than 12 different feed formulations from pre-lay to 60 wk of age. Distiller's dried grain with solubles was a common ingredient added to the feed in the majority of affected flocks, and all flocks were provided with limestone as a calcium source for egg production. Most surveys reported that coccidiosis and roundworm parasitism were not problems in affected flocks in production; however, pests such as flies and rodents were reported as problems in most affected flocks. Additionally, most affected farms never washed feeders, cages, and houses before disinfection, which may not be sufficient to prevent the persistency and transmission of the causative agent of FDN. In conclusion, several management practices that have been associated with enteric disease, including clostridial-associated enteritis, were described by the majority of FDN-affected flocks. Additional studies are needed to determine if management and health practices identified in this survey represent risk factors for FDN.

Focal duodenal necrosis in chickens: attempts to reproduce the disease experimentally and diagnostic considerations

“…All treatment groups in this experiment received a standard corn-soy diet containing 9% distiller's dried grain with solubles (DDGS) and limestone particles (50% fine and 50% coarse particles). DDGS is a common ingredient used in egg layer flocks affected with FDN, and this ingredient can enhance intestinal proliferation of C. perfringens 16 In trial 2, we followed an experimental model that caused mild NE lesions in young chickens challenged with a netB-positive C. perfringens as described previously, 7 with some modifications in inoculum dose, age of the chickens at inoculation, chicken breed used, and housing methods. The pullets were randomly distributed into 6 treatment groups (groups 1-6) and 1 sham-inoculated control group (group 7), with 10 birds per group.…”

“…All treatment groups in this experiment received a standard corn-soy diet containing 9% distiller's dried grain with solubles (DDGS) and limestone particles (50% fine and 50% coarse particles). DDGS is a common ingredient used in egg layer flocks affected with FDN, and this ingredient can enhance intestinal proliferation of C. perfringens 16 ). All pullets were housed in cages with 2 birds per cage and received a starter diet containing 20% crude protein for 14 d. Thereafter, the pullets were provided with a corn-soy, high-protein diet containing 50% fishmeal.…”

“…16 Additionally, most egg layer flocks affected with FDN received >12 different feed formulations from pre-lay to 60 wk of age. 16 Coccidiosis and roundworm parasitism were not reported as being a problem in FDN-affected flocks. 16 For most affected flocks, cages, walls, and ceilings were not washed prior to disinfection.…”

“…4 The epidemiologic characteristics of egg layer flocks affected with FDN were recently investigated by our group at UGA. 16 Distiller's dried grains with solubles and animal protein meal were ingredients commonly added to the feed of flocks affected with FDN. 16 Additionally, most egg layer flocks affected with FDN received >12 different feed formulations from pre-lay to 60 wk of age.…”

“…16 Distiller's dried grains with solubles and animal protein meal were ingredients commonly added to the feed of flocks affected with FDN. 16 Additionally, most egg layer flocks affected with FDN received >12 different feed formulations from pre-lay to 60 wk of age. 16 Coccidiosis and roundworm parasitism were not reported as being a problem in FDN-affected flocks.…”