Bacillary White Diarrhea (BWD), now formally known as , is a highly contagious bacterial infection caused by Salmonella pullorum . Historically a devastating "silent killer" in the poultry industry, it primarily strikes young chicks under three weeks of age, often resulting in mortality rates as high as 100% in susceptible flocks. Etiology and History
Infected "carrier" hens harbor the bacteria in their ovaries. The bacteria pass into the egg during formation, meaning chicks are born already infected. bacillary white diarrhea
Within a brooder or hatchery, the disease spreads rapidly through contact with infected droppings, contaminated feed, water, or even through the air in forced-draft incubators. Clinical Signs and Diagnosis Bacillary White Diarrhea - ScienceDirect Bacillary White Diarrhea (BWD), now formally known as
A defining feature of BWD is its ability to transmit both horizontally and vertically: The bacteria pass into the egg during formation,