77. Leg weakness in turkeys can occur due to a variety of causes. For example, bacterial and viral infections may be associated with arthritis, osteomyelitis and tenosynovitis. Non-infective causes include degenerative joint diseases, plantar pododermatitis (although this may be worsened by a secondary bacterial infection), rupture of tendons or muscles and myopathies. Predisposing factors include genetics, nutritional deficiency or excess and poor flock management. These factors may interact to increase susceptibility to leg weakness. An underlying problem is that birds have been selected, and are usually fed, so as to maximise muscle weight at the time of slaughter. However, it is clear that leg disorders are particularly influenced by the standard of management, so good husbandry and stockmanship are essential.