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Colibacillosis is one of the most common bacterial diseases of poultry, can affect all ages, and is economically detrimental. Colibacillosis is a localized or systemic infection caused by avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC). It manifests in diverse ways, including Omphalitis, Colicepticemia, Pericarditis, Airsacculitis, Salpingitis, Peritonitis, and Cellulitis.

Escherichia coli is a gram-negative, rod-shaped, acid-resistant bacterium, measuring 2−3 x 0.6 µm and non-sporing. The characteristics are able to grow in aerobic and anaerobic environments, also can last several weeks outside the body of the chicken. E. coli bacteria are usually found in the intestines of poultry. The presence of 10 5-6 cfu/m3 of pathogenic E.coli bacteria in feces, litter, air, and drinking water, can infect orally and can contaminate the eggs.

Colibacillosis infection in poultry is usually affected by environmental factors such as poor ventilation and high ammonia levels, low water quality, vaccination stress, high stocking density, heat stress, and poor hatchery hygiene. These bacteria can also act as primary causative agents or as secondary pathogens, complicating viral, bacterial, and parasitic diseases.

Signs of colibacillosis are respiratory distress, reduced appetite, poor growth, diarrhea, thin, dirty, or sticky feathers around the buttocks, and so on.

Treatment to prevent colibacillosis such as:

• Acceptance selection of healthy day-old chicks (DOC) is indicated by a dry navel
• Sterile cage (sanitized and disinfected)
• Litter management by maintaining moisture/ammonia
• Ventilation management by keeping dust out
• Drinking water management with routine flushing and sanitation
• Treatment with antibiotics
• Vaccination (Inactive E.Coli Vaccination)