Yolk Sac Infection

A condition in chickens, turkeys and ducks due to bacterial infection of the navel and yolk sac of newly hatched chicks as a result of contamination before healing of the navel. Disease occurs after an incubation period of 1-3 days. Various bacteria may be involved, especially E .coli, Staphylococci, Proteus, Pseudomonas. Morbidity is 1-10% and mortality is high in affected chicks. It is seen where there is poor breeder farm nest hygiene, use of floor eggs, inadequate hatchery hygiene or poor incubation conditions, for example poor hygiene of hatching eggs, 'bangers', and poor hygiene of setters, hatchers or chick boxes. Inadequate incubation conditions resulting in excessive water retention and slowly-healing navels and 'tags' of yolk at the navel on hatching also contribute to the problem.

Signs

• Dejection.
• Closed eyes.
• Loss of appetite.
• Diarrhoea.
• Vent pasting.
• Swollen abdomen.

Treatment for this disease will be antibiotics and Vitamins/ Mineral supplements helpful in controlling.