Cellulite - a new skin disease in broilers

Cellulite is a new skin disease in broilers caused by Escherichia coli, mai nly of the O2 and O78 serotypes. The disease is increasing and presents a v ery serious problem from the economical point of view since it lowers the s laughter value of the carcass. Cellulite develops after mechanical injury, and results in interrupted skin continuity (abrasion, scratch, prick) which consequently facilitates infection and colonisation processes of the E. co li in the subcutaneous tissue. The lesions are typically located in the abd ominal region. In the course of cellulite, propagation of swelling and puru lent inflammation of the dermis, subcutaneous tissue and sometimes muscles, accompanied by characteristic abscesses (plaques), occur. The areas of ski n which have lesions are yellow brownish-yellow or reddish-brown in colour. The extent of skin lesions varies and may be limited to a small area (0.4- 0.2 cm(2)), but usually affects extensive areas (greater than or equal to 8 cm(2)). On the basis of histopathological changes, it could be ascertained that cellulite is a chronic form of colibacteriosis whose course is accomp anied by necrotic-purulent inflammation of the skin and subcutaneous tissue .