Written by: Dr. Jacquie Jacob, University of Kentucky
Infection caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus is referred to by several names: staphylococcus, staph infection, staph septicemia, staph arthritis, bumblefoot, and plantar pododermatitis. All fowl, especially turkeys, chickens, gamebirds and waterfowl, are susceptible to this infection. Staphylococcus is found in the soil, and outbreaks often occur after storms when birds on range drink from stagnant rain pools.
Staphylococcal infections appear in three forms: septicemia, arthritis, and bumblefoot.
Staphylococcus infection can be treated with antibiotics.
Remove objects that could injure birds from shelters and areas where the birds range. Isolate chronically affected birds.
Resources:
Bumblefoot. Tina Savage, University of New Hampshire, and Michael Darre, University of Connecticut.