Tyzzer’s Disease is a bacterial infection caused by Clostridium piliforme that affects the intestines and liver of poultry. While it is more commonly associated with rodents and rabbits, it can also occur in chickens, particularly in stressed or immunocompromised birds. This disease is often overlooked due to its rare occurrence in poultry, but when it strikes, it can cause severe mortality and economic losses in both backyard and commercial poultry farms.
In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss:
✔ The main causes of Tyzzer’s Disease in poultry
✔ Recognizing early and advanced symptoms
✔ Effective prevention strategies to keep your flock safe
✔ The best treatment methods to control outbreaks and minimize losses
What is Tyzzer’s Disease?
Tyzzer’s Disease is an acute bacterial disease caused by Clostridium piliforme, an intracellular, spore-forming bacterium. It primarily affects the intestinal lining and liver, leading to severe necrotic lesions, diarrhea, and sudden death in young or weak chickens.
Unlike other bacterial diseases, Clostridium piliforme cannot be grown on standard culture media, making it harder to diagnose without specialized tests such as PCR or histopathology. The bacteria survive in spore form for long periods in contaminated environments, making strict hygiene and biosecurity measures essential for preventing outbreaks.
Causes of Tyzzer’s Disease in Poultry
Tyzzer’s Disease is primarily transmitted through the fecal-oral route, meaning that chickens become infected by ingesting food, water, or bedding contaminated with Clostridium piliforme spores. The main factors that contribute to its spread include:
1. Poor Sanitation & Contaminated Environments
- The spores of Clostridium piliforme can persist in the environment for months, especially in dirty water sources, damp bedding, and unclean feeders.
- Chickens that peck at contaminated feces, feed, or litter ingest the spores, leading to infection.
- Poorly ventilated and humid coops provide the ideal conditions for bacterial growth.
💡 Solution:
✔ Regularly clean and disinfect coops, feeders, and waterers.
✔ Use deep litter management techniques to reduce bacterial load.
✔ Replace wet bedding immediately to prevent bacterial buildup.
2. Weak Immune System & Stress Factors
- Young chicks, malnourished birds, and those undergoing stress (due to overcrowding, excessive heat, or transport) are more vulnerable.
- Stress weakens the immune system, allowing bacteria to multiply rapidly.
💡 Solution:
✔ Provide a stress-free environment with adequate space, proper ventilation, and stable temperatures.
✔ Use probiotics and immune boosters (such as vitamins A, E, and selenium) to strengthen immunity.
✔ Avoid sudden dietary changes that may disrupt gut flora.
3. Presence of Rodents & Other Infected Animals
- Tyzzer’s Disease is most commonly found in rodents, rabbits, and wild birds, which can carry and spread the bacteria to chickens.
- Farms with uncontrolled rodent populations have a significantly higher risk of outbreaks.
💡 Solution:
✔ Implement a strict rodent control program, including traps, baits, and exclusion techniques.
✔ Ensure feed storage bins are rodent-proof to prevent contamination.
✔ Keep the coop sealed and free from entry points for wild birds and rodents.
4. Nutritional Deficiencies & Gut Health Issues
- A lack of essential nutrients (especially Vitamin A, Vitamin E, and selenium) weakens the gut lining, making it easier for bacteria to penetrate.
- An imbalance in gut flora allows harmful bacteria to overpopulate, increasing the risk of infection.
💡 Solution:
✔ Feed a well-balanced diet with proper vitamins and minerals.
✔ Incorporate natural probiotics such as fermented feeds or apple cider vinegar.
✔ Provide clean, fresh water daily to aid digestion and flush toxins.
Symptoms of Tyzzer’s Disease in Chickens
Tyzzer’s Disease often presents nonspecific symptoms, making it easy to confuse with other poultry illnesses like coccidiosis, salmonella, or necrotic enteritis. However, the most common clinical signs include:
1. Early Signs:
✔ Loss of appetite and refusal to eat or drink
✔ Depression and lethargy
✔ Fluffed-up feathers and huddling behavior
2. Gastrointestinal Symptoms:
✔ Severe diarrhea, often watery or bloody with a strong odor
✔ Rapid weight loss and dehydration (sunken eyes, pale combs)
✔ Necrotic (dead tissue) lesions in the intestines, visible upon necropsy
3. Liver-Related Symptoms:
✔ Swollen, pale, or yellowish liver with distinct lesions
✔ Jaundice (yellow discoloration of skin and eyes) in severe cases
✔ Sudden death in young or severely weakened birds
💡 Note: Many of these signs resemble other bacterial infections, so laboratory tests such as PCR or liver histopathology are required for confirmation.
Best Prevention Strategies for Tyzzer’s Disease
1. Strict Biosecurity Measures
✔ Keep new birds quarantined for at least 2 weeks before introducing them to the main flock.
✔ Limit farm visitors and require footbaths before entering the coop.
✔ Prevent contact between poultry and rodents/wild birds.
2. Hygiene & Environmental Control
✔ Clean waterers and feeders daily and disinfect them weekly.
✔ Use deep litter management or regular bedding changes to reduce bacterial buildup.
✔ Keep coops well-ventilated to prevent excess moisture.
3. Nutritional Support & Gut Health Management
✔ Feed high-quality organic feed enriched with essential vitamins.
✔ Add probiotics and fermented feeds to promote gut health.
✔ Provide fresh, clean drinking water to reduce stress and dehydration.
Best Treatment Methods for Tyzzer’s Disease
Since Clostridium piliforme is an intracellular bacterium, it does not respond to many common antibiotics. However, supportive care and targeted treatment can help manage the infection.
1. Hydration & Supportive Care
✔ Provide electrolyte solutions to counteract dehydration.
✔ Offer easily digestible foods such as boiled rice, yogurt, or probiotic mash.
✔ Keep infected birds isolated to prevent disease spread.
2. Antibiotics & Medications
- While no direct antibiotic eliminates Clostridium piliforme, broad-spectrum antibiotics can help prevent secondary infections:
✔ Oxytetracycline or Tylosin in drinking water to control bacterial spread.
✔ Metronidazole (requires veterinary supervision) may have some effect.
3. Necropsy & Laboratory Diagnosis
- If birds die suddenly, perform a necropsy to check for:
✔ Pale, necrotic liver lesions
✔ Inflamed intestines with yellow plaques
✔ Confirm via PCR or histopathology testing.
Final Thoughts on Managing Tyzzer’s Disease in Poultry
Tyzzer’s Disease is a rare but serious bacterial infection that can cause high mortality rates in poultry if not properly managed. Since there is no highly effective antibiotic, prevention remains the best strategy.
By maintaining strict sanitation, improving nutrition, and controlling rodent populations, poultry farmers can minimize the risk of infection and improve overall flock health.
If you suspect Tyzzer’s Disease in your flock, consult a poultry veterinarian immediately for accurate diagnosis and treatment guidance.