Regardless of its cause, enteritis is typically associated with lesions, inflammation, and shifts in the microbial populations of the intestine. A major consequence for affected birds is the loss of absorptive capacity due to the destruction of the villi structure, resulting in growth depression and mortality at the level of the flock. Several enteric diseases can lead to enteritis, but one of the most known worldwide is necrotic enteritis.
Necrotic enteritis is an acute enterotoxemic disease caused by Clostridium perfringens. C. perfringens is a normal inhabitant of the intestinal tract of all domestic poultry species. For example, a study indicates that approximately 75 to 95% of broiler chickens have C. perfringens as part of their normal intestinal microflora1. However, the disease occurs if several predisposing factors are met: coccidia challenge, toxins, nutrient excess (protein) etc. The clinical illness is usually very short but leads to a sudden increase in flock mortality.
Necrotic enteritis affects broiler chickens at 2-6 weeks of age. Layer pullets can be affected during the rearing phase, as well as turkeys during the growing phase.
A recent study showed that over the past years, 12% of Belgian layer pullet flocks were diagnosed with necrotic enteritis at a mean age of 10 weeks2. Additional data showed that the prevalence of necrotic enteritis was 9.5% for slow growing broiler flocks had and 39% of organic broiler flocks. These data may vary depending on geographic location.
Necrotic enteritis lesions have the below characteristics:
Scoring Necrotic Enteritis
Score 0
Normal mucosa/ no gross lesion.
Score 1
The 1-3 focal necrosis are found in the small intestine.
Score 2
More than 3 focal necrosis are found in the small intestine.
Score 3
Diffuse necrosis is found in the small intestine.
Droppings can help you to evaluate subclinical necrotic enteritis
Necrotic enteritis has historically been managed with antibiotics, such as lincomycin or penicillin. Many antibiotic growth promoters, now banned in the EU and in several regions of the world, have also been used in feed to prevent necrotic or bacterial enteritis. However, additional sustainable alternatives can be used to strengthen the prevention of necrotic enteritis.
It is all about managing the predisposing factors:
Learn more about necrotic enteritis in this video of Dr Evy Goossens from Ghent university focusing on 'Necrotic enteritis in poultry: is it truly one disease?'.
