Abstract
Count of the numbdr of bacteria in the air of the incubator, isolation of bacteria from dead in shell chicks, pipped eggs, dead baby chicks and mushy baby chicks, and inoculation of the isolated bacteria into the egg yolk of baby chicks led to the following conclusions:
1. The microbial flora in the air of the incubator consists mainly of Bacillus Spp. predominately B. cereus.
2. B. cereus is the most frequently incriminated causative agent of omphalitis.
3. Bacillus in the air of the incubator enter into pipped eggs and multiply in the egg shell cavity. Further, wheen the closing of navel of the germ in incomplete, is may invade the egg yolk via the navel, and multiply there, resulting in omphalitis in those baby chicks.
4. In omphalitis due to Bacillus, pipped egg and baby chick frequently die following an acute disease course. However, some of these follow a chronic course instead and become mushy baby chicks.
5. To prevent omphalitis, removal of the offending Bacillus from the incubator must be accomplished.
