Prevalence of Pododermatitis Caused by Staphylococcus Aureus in Poultry Birds of Jammu

Staphylococcus aureus is known to cause pododermatitis in poultry with significant economic losses. Present study revealed the prevalence of pododermatitis caused by S. aureus in broilers and layers in Jammu India. A total 5400 birds were screened. The pus samples were collected from 119 poultry bird’s foot pad & hock joint using sterile cotton swabs. Isolation and identification of Staphylococcus aureus from samples was done by culturing the sample on different culture media including nutrient, blood and MacConkey’s agars through streaking method and incubated aerobically at 37˚C. Identification of bacterial isolates was performed using conventional metods by making the smear, stained with Gram’s stain and examined under microscope and by biochemical (Catalase and Coagulase tests) procedures. Out of total fifty four hundred cases screened one hundred nineteen cases (2.20 percent) were positive for avian pododermatitis. Among the layers prevalence of pododermatitis caused due to Staphylococcus aureus was 89.65 percent while as in broilers prevalence of pododermatitis caused due to Staphylococcus aureus was found to be 80.64 percent. Prevalence of pododermatitis in backyard poultry caused due to Staphylococcus aureus is 89.28%. The study concluded that Staphylococcus aureus is responsible for pododermatitis in majority of both commercial broilers and layers, with higher prevalence in layers.