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Salpingitis is inflammation of the fallopian tubes and is one of the most common reproductive diseases in laying hens. It is frequently caused by Escherichia coli and Salmonella. Mycoplasma gallisepticum can also cause salpingitis in aged laying hens.
Infection with Gram-negative bacteria results in the increased secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines which occurs when the endotoxin Lipoplysaccharide (LPS) is released during bacterial death and reproduction.
The estrogenic activity involved in the process of egg laying facilitates the migration of infectious pathogens from the cloaca to the oviduct. Once the bacteria gain access to the oviduct, it can penetrate the oviduct wall or travel through the open end of the infundibulum and enter the abdominal cavity, resulting in peritonitis.
Clinical Signs of Salpingitis in Hens
The main clinical signs observed in hens with salpingitis are egg related and include:
- Decreased egg production
- Increased frequency of thin, soft and sandy eggshells
- Poor eggshell quality
- Little to no maintenance time of peak of laying eggs
Without treatment, salpingitis can lead to oviduct impaction and the presence of ectopic eggs in the abdominal cavity resulting from reverse peristalsis of the oviduct.
Clinical Signs
Decreased egg production
Laying soft shelled, caseous or inspissated eggs
Laying "lash eggs
Decreased egg production
Depression
Weight loss
Reduced appetite
Lethargy
Enlarged abdomen
Standing with a “penguin-like” posture
Difficulty walking or perching
Diagnosis
Treatment
| Name | Summary | |
|---|---|---|
| Supportive care | Isolate the bird from the flock and place in a safe, comfortable, warm location (your own chicken "intensive care unit") with easy access to water and food. Limit stress. Call your veterinarian. | |
| Antibiotics | Chosen based on culture and sensitivity results. | |
| Hormone implants | Suprelorin® (deslorelin) to help stop future ovulation. |
Support
Prevention
Hormone implants: Suprelorin® (deslorelin implants) to stop ovulation (egg production) in hens.
Scientific References
- Fang H et al. Co-Infection of Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis and Chlamydia psittaci Contributes to Salpingitis of Laying Layers and Breeder Ducks Pathogens 10.6 (2021)
- Konicek, Cornelia, Michael Pees, and Michaela Gumpenberger.. Reproductive tract diseases in female backyard chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus)–diagnostic imaging and final outcome during a decade Tierärztliche Praxis Ausgabe K: Kleintiere/Heimtiere 48.02 (2020)
- Richard M. Fulton. Causes of Normal Mortality in Commercial Egg-Laying Chickens Avian Diseases (2017)
- Grafl B, Polster S, Sulejmanovic T, Pürrer B, Guggenberger B, Hess M.. Assessment of health and welfare of Austrian laying hens at slaughter demonstrates influence of husbandry system and season. Br Poult Sci. (2017)
- Braga JF, Chanteloup NK, Trotereau A, Baucheron S, Guabiraba R, Ecco R, Schouler C.. Diversity of Escherichia coli strains involved in vertebral osteomyelitis and arthritis in broilers in Brazil. BMC Vet Res. (2016)
- Paixão AC, Ferreira AC, Fontes M, Themudo P, Albuquerque T, Soares MC, Fevereiro M, Martins L, Corrêa de Sá MI.. Detection of virulence-associated genes in pathogenic and commensal avian Escherichia coli isolates. Poult Sci (2016)
- Olsen RH, Thøfner IC, Pors SE, Pires Dos Santos T, Christensen JP.. Experimental induced avian E. coli salpingitis: Significant impact of strain and host factors on the clinical and pathological outcome. Vet Microbiol. (2016)
- Heidemann Olsen R, Bisgaard M, Christensen JP, Kabell S, Christensen H.. Pathology and Molecular Characterization of Escherichia Coli Associated With the Avian Salpingitis-Peritonitis Disease Syndrome. Avian Dis. (2016)
- Pors SE, Skjerning RB, Flachs EM, Bojesen AM.. Recombinant proteins from Gallibacterium anatis induces partial protection against heterologous challenge in egg-laying hens. Vet Res. (2016)
- Lee JY et al.. Estrogen regulation of phosphoserine phosphatase during regression and recrudescence of female reproductive organs. Gen Comp Endocrinol. (2015)
- G Damerow The Chicken Health Handbook. Storey Publishing (2015)
- Collingwood C, Kemmett K, Williams N, Wigley P.. Is the Concept of Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli as a Single Pathotype Fundamentally Flawed? Front Vet Sci. (2014)
- Chaudhari AA, Kariyawasam S.. An experimental infection model for Escherichia coli egg peritonitis in layer chickens. Avian Dis. (2014)
- Landman WJ, Cornelissen RA.. [Escherichia coli salpingitis and peritonitis in layer chickens: an overview]. Tijdschr Diergeneeskd. (2006)
- Jordan FT, Williams NJ, Wattret A, Jones T.. Observations on salpingitis, peritonitis and salpingoperitonitis in a layer breeder flock. Vet Rec. (2005)
- Bisgaard M, Dam A.. Salpingitis in poultry. II. Prevalence, bacteriology, and possible pathogenesis in egg-laying chickens. Nord Vet Med (1981)
Good Overviews
- Salpingitis/Salpingoperitonitis. Penn State (2020)
