Characterization of focal ulcerative dermatitis (FUDS) causative agents in commercial laying hens

Focal ulcerative dermatitis syndrome (FUDS) is one of the emerging diseases that affect cage-free laying flocks. It is characterized by the development of lesions on the dorsum of the birds, outbreaks are sporadic in nature; however, when present can result in a drop in egg production and up to 50% cumulative mortality. Little research has been done on the etiology of FUDS; however, a correlation between disease and Staphylococcus hyicus abundance had been previously reported. The goal of this study was to characterize isolates from the skin microbiota of FUDS positive (sick) and FUDS negative (healthy) laying hens through next generation sequencing to identify causative agents of FUDS. A targeted Bacillus DFM combination was developed in the lab with successful results at inhibiting the isolated pathogens in vitro. The DFM product is currently being used at different farms with history of FUDS with effective results at inhibiting Staphylococcus agnetis and Staphylococcus aureus, reducing FUDS mortalities by 1.25-fold, and improving harvestable eggs by 26%.