A PROSPECTIVE-STUDY OF CELLULITIS IN BROILER-CHICKENS IN SOUTHERN ONTARIO

This study investigated the associations among cellulitis and hatchery , farm, and abattoir factors. Forty-four broiler flocks from 24 farms located in southern Ontario were followed from hatching to processing. Poisson regression was used to analyze the data. Cellulitis as a coun t outcome (CELLCOUNT) was significantly associated (P less than or equ al to 0.05) with the hatchery of origin, strain of birds, farm size, t ype of litter, lighting system, total down time, prevalence of abdomin al scratches, Escherichia coli-related conditions (SEROSITIS), ascites , and valgus varus deformity However, only farm size, abdominal scratc hes, SEROSITIS, ascites, and valgus varus deformity were significant ( P less than or equal to 0.05) after adjusting for clustering. No signi ficant associations were found between cellulitis and source of eggs, sex, average bird weight, feed company, growth promoter, or stocking d ensity. Factors significantly associated with cellulitis in this study could be considered as potential risk factors for cellulitis in broil er chickens in southern Ontario.