engleski

Prevalence of Gallibacterium anatis isolated from layer poultry farms in Croatia

Objectives: Gallibacterium anatis is a part of normal microflora of lower reproductive tract and upper respiratory tract in layers. Recently, it has been considered one of the most prevalent causative agents of different reproductive and respiratory disorders in laying hens beside avian pathogenic E. coli (APEC). Both bacteria cause similar lesions, such as peritonitis, folliculitis and salpingitis, which makes it more difficult to differentiate the cause and also often appear as coinfections. Alongside those lesions, production decrease and high mortality rates are often reported which makes it a serious problem on poultry farms. The purpose of this study was to determine prevalence of G. anatis on layer poultry farms in order to assess the current situation in Croatia and investigate the possible solutions to G. anatis infection. Materials and Methods: During this epizootiological survey, poultry carcasses were brought from seven layer poultry farms to the Department of Poultry Diseases with Clinic where necropsy was done. During examination, swab samples were taken from pharynx, trachea, lungs, liver, oviduct, follicles and bone marrow. Some of the samples were taken on farms from live animals from pharynx and cloaca. Samples were then plated on 5% sheep blood agar and incubated aerobically at 37°C for 24 hours. Identification was done by gram staining, biochemical tests and MALDI-TOF spectrometry method. Afterwards, they were stored in BHI broth on -80°C for further analysis. Results and Conclusion: All of the farms included in epizootiological survey were positive for G. anatis. Most of the isolates originated from pharynx and cloaca. In some cases coinfection with E.coli, Mycoplasma sp. or IB virus was present, so we assume G. anatis is an opportunistic pathogen which caused the infection in immunocompromised chickens. Due to often reported quickly acquired antimicrobial resistance after antibiotic therapy, use of autogenous vaccine alongside immunoprophylaxis program adjustment is recommended.

Gallibacterium anatis, peritonitis, layers, poultry

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