Pathogenesis of cellulitis in broilers: effects of structural, biochemical, and molecular characteristics of the skin

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Cellulitis is a skin condition observed commonly in meat type poultry.  Recently, in Canada, cellulitis has become an important condemnation category both in the broiler and turkey industries.  An important epidemiological characteristic of this condition is that the rate of condemnations due to cellulitis continues to increase at an alarming rate.  The present study proposes to unravel the etiology of cellulitis in meat type poultry.  The primary goal of this project is centered on the investigation of the underlying etiology of cellulitis and finding a practical solution to the problem.  The main objectives of this research will be focused on:  1) the role of first line defense mechanisms in the skin in the pathogenesis of avian cellulitis, 2) conditions that affect the proliferation dynamics of pathogenic bacteria involved in producing cellulitis lesions, and 3) etiological factors associated with the development of cellulitis lesions in the context of environment- bacteria-host interactions.  Thorough understanding of the pathogenesis of cellulitis is crucial for the development of a strategy for the management of the problem of avian cellulitis.  It is anticipated that the knowledge gained from this research will help in developing means to control this condition.