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INSTITUTE OF INSPECTORS OF STOCK OF N.S.W. YEAR BOOK.
Escherichia coli Septicaemia in Broilers
M. LINDTNER, D.V.Sc., Veterinary Research Officer, Veterinary Research Station, Glenfield
Under circumstances where large numbers of birds are kept together and big turnover of flocks is the target, a greater possibility exists for the appearance of some new diseases or diseases seldom seen in less intensive poultry management. In this regard the E. coli septicaemia is a new disease for the Australian broiler industry. Although not yet widely spread it might become in the future an economic nuisance to the industry.
The disease appears in young birds between 6-10 weeks of age, reared in high concentration and limited ventilation. Clinically it resembles to some degree C.R.D. since there are symptoms of respiratory distress, sneezing, wasting and paleness, without nasal discharge or lacrimation, however.
At post-mortem examination the prominent features are an extensive fibrinous pericarditis, accompanied by gelatinous yellowgreyish exudate over the liver, and, in typical respiratory cases, caseous deposits in the air sacs (predominantly the thoracic ones).
Differential diagnosis takes into consideration C.R.D. and Avian Monocytosis, the latter one particularly when heavy deposits of urates are found in the pericardium and peritoneum. Bacteriological examination yields pure culture of E. coli which if inoculated into experimental birds, reproduces the disease in 48 hours. The organism is distinct from the familiar E. coli serologically and by its resistance to Aureomycin and Terramycin. The organism is not an antibiotic-resistant strain of ordinary E. coli.
E. coli septicaemia is spread by ingestion and inhalation thus making a serious problem of prevention and control in overcrowded quarters. General hygiene, proper ventilation and immediate isolation of sick birds are the means of prevention.
Mortality rate in an outbreak varies from 5-10% but losses are very much higher if wasting of birds and down-grading of carcases is considered.
Furazolidone 0.04% for 6-10 days is, at present, the best treatment although a combination of neomycin and polymixin gives satisfactory results too. No drug is effective in chronic cases.
Keeping the existence of this disease in mind, the diagnosticians can contribute to the early elimination of the disease from the flocks and thus directly act against the spread of E. coli septicaemia throughout our poultry industry.