Vertebral Osteomyelitis in Broilers: A Review

ABSTRACT Locomotor diseases are still a challenge in modern poultry. Vertebral osteomyelitis (VO) is an emerging disease in broilers worldwide. The inflammatory process in the affected thoracic vertebra (T4) and subsequent spinal cord compression leads to clinical signs related to locomotor impairment, inadequate feeding and drinking, and increased mortality in the affected flocks. The pathogenesis of the disease is poorly understood and Enterococcus cecorum is the bacterium most frequently associated with the disease. However, other bacteria such as E. faecalis, E. durans, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus have been recently detected in cases of the disease, raising questions regarding its etiopathogenesis. As many questions about VO in broilers remain unanswered, knowledge on its prevention, control and treatment is limited. In this review, we compile and discuss the currently available information concerning VO in broilers and highlight important aspects of the disease.