The issue of bacterial lameness is one that farmers deal with regularly. Reducing bacterial pressure through continuous cleaning of water can decrease the incidence of bacterial lameness while also increasing productivity. This can result from high bacterial pressure in the house from a previous flock. These bacteria can lead to infections in the birds. During times of stress, such as infection, the lining of the digestive tract can lose its integrity, leading to the leakage of bacteria into the bloodstream. The bacteria can then travel to various locations in the body, such as the growth plates, causing necrosis. This, in turn, leads to lameness and could potentially prevent the bird from walking or standing. Other stress factors, such as fast growth rates, handling, and transportation, can also contribute to bacterial lameness. Good water hygiene has the additional benefit of reducing biofilm buildup in drinking lines, which lowers bacterial pressure on birds and minimizes corrosion in water lines.