bacteria which occur naturally in the intestinal
ora. Studies have been conducted by Agtech
Products Inc. in cooperation with a Pennsylvania egg producer using PCR technology to
examine samples of duodenal tissue from both
affected and normal ocks.
Antibiotics are effective
Antibiotics that are effective against Gram
positive bacteria are able to suppress clinical
FDN. Compounds such as bacitracin, tylosin
or oxytetracycline can be added in accordance
with label instructions and restrictions.
Preventive measures include the addition of
an antibacterial agent in the feed with or without a probiotic.
Since FDN usually affects egg weight early
in production, an antibiotic is normally fed until a target egg weight is reached followed by
withdrawal of medication.
A recurrence of FDN is normally seen six to
eight weeks after termination of administering
an antibiotic. A decision is made at that time
whether or not to treat depending on the production parameters of the ock.
Bacitracin at 25 grams per ton in feed, is
the most commonly used
product for prevention
with or without a probiotic supplement. Probiotics, such as Primalac
(Star-Labs) or Avicor
(AgTech), and prebiot-ics, such as Bio-Mos
(Alltech) or Diamond V
XPC, or botanical products, including Apex
(BFI) or Regano Poultry
(Ralco Nutrition), are
used alone or in combination but have not been
thoroughly tested for
Mucosa of duodenal loop showing characteristic necrosis indicated
their effect on FDN. by dark discoloration.
Organic or antibiotic-free egg producers must, however, rely on
NOP-approved products for prevention. EI
Dr. Eric Gingrich is a staff veterinarian and
Adjunct Assistant Professor at the University
of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine in the poultry laboratory located at the
New Bolton Center.
He has extensive experience as a diagnos-
tic pathologist having served as Head of Veterinary Services for DeKalb Poultry Research.
He is actively involved in eld diagnostic and
applied research activities, instruction and
service to poultry producers in the Northeast.
He serves on a number of working committees
and contributes his time and energy to professional associations.
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