Broiler Footpad Dermatitis: Causes and Prevention

Footpad dermatitis is one of the most prevalent and measurable welfare problems in broiler chicken production, caused by wet litter conditions and preventable through management improvements.

Key Facts

Footpad dermatitis causes lesions on the plantar surface of broiler feet, ranging from mild discoloration to deep ulcers
Prevalence of severe FPD exceeds 50 percent of birds in some conventional production systems
Wet, ammonia-saturated litter is the primary cause, arising from drinker leaks and inadequate ventilation
Fast-growing broiler breeds are more susceptible due to greater time spent lying on litter
FPD is used as a welfare indicator in EU legislation, with severe cases triggering farm inspections
Litter quality management, drinker system maintenance, and stocking density reduction reduce FPD prevalence
Birds with FPD show altered gait and reduced movement, indicating pain and functional impairment

Welfare Considerations

Footpad dermatitis causes pain, lameness, and reduced welfare across the broiler production cycle. Severe lesions extend into deeper tissue, causing chronic discomfort that affects feeding behavior and growth. Because birds spend most of their time lying, contact time between feet and contaminated litter is high. Farmers can significantly reduce FPD through practical management measures that also improve production outcomes, creating aligned welfare and economic incentives. Using FPD scoring as a standard welfare metric and linking it to market access creates accountability for producers.

What You Can Do

Choose chicken from farms certified under welfare schemes that audit footpad dermatitis rates
Ask retailers about their supplier FPD scoring and welfare audit requirements
Support legislation that mandates FPD monitoring and reporting in poultry production
Reduce poultry consumption or choose higher-welfare products that incentivize better litter management
Share information about FPD with others to build consumer pressure for welfare improvements