Bordetellosis in Poultry: Ovand Managementerview

Bordetellosis in Poultry: Ovand Managementerview 

Avian bordetellosis, also known as turkey coryza or Bordetella avium rhinotracheitis, is a highly contagious respiratory disease primarily affecting young turkeys. While previously associated with Bordetella avium, Bordetella hinzii has also been implicated as a cause. The disease predominantly affects the upper respiratory tract and is characterized by high morbidity but generally low mortality unless complicated by secondary infections.

Etiology

  • Bordetella avium is the primary cause, attaching to the cilia in the respiratory tract, leading to tracheal damage. Bordetella hinzii can also cause similar symptoms.
  • The pathogens damage the tracheal cartilage, and complications from secondary infections, such as with Escherichia coli or Newcastle disease virus, can increase disease severity.

Clinical Signs

  • Main symptoms: Sneezing ("snicking"), watery or foamy eyes, clear nasal discharge, mouth breathing, tracheal rales, and altered vocalization.
  • Progression: Lesions are primarily in the upper respiratory tract, including nasal and tracheal exudates and tracheal collapse.
  • Severity: Morbidity is typically 80%-100%, with mortality ranging from 0% to over 40% in complicated cases.

Diagnosis

  • Based on clinical signs: Sneezing, nasal discharge, and tracheal rales.
  • Isolation of bacteria: Bordetella avium or B. hinzii is cultured from respiratory samples.
  • Serology: Tests like microagglutination and ELISA can confirm the infection.
  • PCR can distinguish B. avium and B. hinzii.

Treatment

  • Antibiotics: Antimicrobial therapy is usually ineffective for bordetellosis itself but may help manage secondary infections such as E. coli. Resistance to multiple antibiotics is common.
  • Supportive care: Environmental improvements like optimizing air quality, minimizing stress, and adding niacin to drinking water may alleviate symptoms.

Prevention and Control

  • Vaccination: Available vaccines reduce the severity but do not prevent infection. Vaccination is not commonly practiced, and immunity is often passed through natural infections.
  • Biosecurity: Essential to preventing the spread. Disinfection and proper farm management help reduce outbreaks.
  • Environmental factors: Maintaining good air quality and reducing stress are critical for lessening the impact of the disease.

Zoonotic Risk

  • B. avium and B. hinzii can infect immunocompromised humans, causing respiratory illness, but such cases are rare.

Key Points

  • Avian bordetellosis, caused by B. avium or B. hinzii, results in high morbidity but typically low mortality in turkeys.
  • Secondary infections can significantly worsen the disease outcome.
  • Rigorous biosecurity and sound management practices are critical, as treatment options are limited. Vaccines can reduce disease severity but not prevent infection
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