Experimental colibacillosis in broiler chicks with E. coli serotype 02

Fifty broiler chicks were inoculated intraperitoneally with 1 x 10⁸⁷ cfu of E. coli serotype 02. Various parameters like, body weight gain, clinical signs, mortality rate and reisolation of bacteria were studied, Body weight was significantly lower in the infected chicks and clinical signs appeared within 4–5 hours post inoculation. A mortality of 48% was observed and the bacteria was reisolated from blood, liver and lungs.