Abstract

Egg yolk peritonitis (EYP) is an inflammation of the serosal surfaces of the abdomen of a hen because of yolk material deposition. EYP can be caused by poor formation of an egg, stressors or secondary bacterial infection. The symptoms of EYP include enlarged abdomen, cessation of egg production, reduced appetite and lethargy. A commercial poultry farmer in Maiduguri, Nigeria, experienced a significant rise in mortality and a steep decline in egg production over eight weeks in her 72-weeks flock comprising mainly of 2,096 ISA Brown, Shika Brown and a very few White Leghorn Hens. Mortality escalated to 220 birds (10.5%), while egg production plummeted from 62% to 20%, though the eggs remained of good quality. Dead birds exhibited a distinct yellowish, cheesy discharge from the cloaca, a key diagnostic clue for EYP. A post-mortem examination confirmed the presence of fibrinous exudates within the peritoneal cavity, along with yolk material adhering to abdominal organs. Microbiological culture identified Escherichia coli as the primary pathogen. Factors such as overcrowding, poor hygiene, and inadequate ventilation exacerbated the infection and facilitated pathogen proliferation. GenDoxCare® (Doxycycline and gentamycin sulphate), Vitalyte® (Glucose-based electrolytes, vitamins and amino acids) and Diclacox® (Diclazuril) were administered at recommended doses and management practices were improved. Egg production increased to 51% twenty-one days after treatment and continued to rise in subsequent days. It was concluded that the laying birds had egg yolk peritonitis caused by Escherichia coli which was resolved with medication and improved management practices.

Key words: Escherichia coli, Egg yolk peritonitis, ISA Brown layers, Shika Brown layers, Maiduguri