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Abstract
Footpad dermatitis (FPD) is a condition that causes necrotic lesions on the plantar
surface of the footpads in growing broilers and turkeys. This condition not only causes
downgrades and condemnations of saleable chicken paws, the portion of the leg below
the spur, but is also an animal welfare concern in both the United States and in Europe..
Revenue from chicken paws in 2008 alone was worth $280 million. Harvesting large,
unblemished paws has become a priority to poultry companies all over the world. Research
on this subject has been ongoing since the 1940s and has looked into many different
areas including nutrition, environment, and genetics. Early research looked at nutritional
deficiencies such as riboflavin and biotin mainly in turkey poults. This early research
was most likely looking at a separate form of dermatitis than what is being investigated
now. Recent findings have suggested that there is a myriad of interacting factors
that lead to FPD. Litter moisture appears to be the most likely culprit in the onset
of this condition. Research has also shown a possible genetic link in the susceptibility
to development of FPD lesions. Current chicken paw prices have skyrocketed due to
a large export market in Asia. To produce unblemished paws for both increased profit
and comply with current animal welfare recommendations, further research is needed
to understand how the condition develops and what strategies can be used to prevent
it.