Pododermatitis (Bumblefoot)
Bumblefoot (ulcerative pododermatitis) is a bacterial infection and inflammatory reaction on the feet of birds, rodents, and rabbits. Pododermatitis is referred to as "sore hocks" when it affects a rabbit and "bumblefoot" when it affects a bird. We centralise our discussion on birds as it majorly affect male, heavy birds. Bumblefoot is a common infection for domesticated poultry and waterfowl such as chickens, ducks and quails. Causes Injury to the lower surface of the foot due to walking on rough perches, splinters, wired floors, and poor litter of bedding quality; then infected with staphylococcus bacteria. In other words, constant walking on hard, rough, or sharp surfaces, birds can develop small wounds on the bottom of their feet. These wounds are very susceptible to infection by opportunistic bacterial pathogens, chiefly Staphylococcus aureus. Signs Some of the major signs are lameness, swelling of the foot pad and hard, pus filled abscess on the foot pad....