Staphylococcosis

Staphylococcosis is a prevalent issue in the poultry industry, affecting bones, joints and tendons in turkeys. Several Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. can cause septicaemic disease in turkeys. Staphylococcus aureus is the most common pathogen; however, other species, such as S. epidermidis, S. intermedius, S. hyicus and S. xylosus, have also been associated with disease in poultry. The most frequent illnesses caused by Staphylococcus include green liver, osteomyelitis, arthritis/synovitis, omphalitis, gangrenous dermatitis and bumblefoot. Additionally, the infection is associated with economic losses resulting from high condemnation rates of carcasses at processing plants.