Author
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Register, Karen |
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Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter Publication Acceptance Date: 5/17/2017 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: Bordetellosis, also known as turkey coryza, is an acute, highly contagious disease of the upper respiratory tract of young turkeys. In the 1980’s, following initial disagreement as to the etiology, the bacterium Bordetella avium was proven to be the causative agent. Mortality in uncomplicated outbreaks is generally 10% or less, but morbidity is often high and the economic impact of an outbreak may be substantial. Recent research has demonstrated that a closely related bacterium with which it is frequently confused, Bordetella hinzii, also causes clinical signs consistent with bordetellosis in experimentally infected turkeys. Recently, there have been several anecdotal reports of B. hinzii outbreaks in U.S. turkey flocks. While definitive information as to the prevalence and economic impact of B. hinzii is not yet available, it now seems advisable to consider both B. avium and B. hinzii as potential etiologic agents of bordetellosis. Diagnosis is based on clinical signs and lesions and isolation of B. avium or B. hinzii from the respiratory tract. Tests are available for serological detection of turkeys infected with B. avium but whether they accurately detect B. hinzii infection is unknown. Transmission of B. avium requires close contact between infected and susceptible poults or with contaminated water or litter, in which the bacterium may survive for several months. Meticulous biosecurity practices are essential for keeping flocks free of B. avium since the agent is easily spread via contaminated clothing, equipment, vehicles and other fomites. Use of commercially available B. avium vaccines may reduce the severity or delay the onset of disease, but immunization fails to prevent infection. Antibiotic treatment during outbreaks generally has little effect on the outcome. Sound husbandry practices, including attention to air quality and environmental stressors, will minimize the impact of an outbreak. Technical Abstract: Bordetellosis, also known as turkey coryza, is an acute, highly contagious disease of the upper respiratory tract of young turkeys. In the 1980’s, following initial disagreement as to the etiology, the bacterium Bordetella avium was proven to be the causative agent. Mortality in uncomplicated outbreaks is generally 10% or less, but morbidity is often high and the economic impact of an outbreak may be substantial. Recent research has demonstrated that a closely related bacterium with which it is frequently confused, Bordetella hinzii, also causes clinical signs consistent with bordetellosis in experimentally infected turkeys. Recently, there have been several anecdotal reports of B. hinzii outbreaks in U.S. turkey flocks. While definitive information as to the prevalence and economic impact of B. hinzii is not yet available, it now seems advisable to consider both B. avium and B. hinzii as potential etiologic agents of bordetellosis. Diagnosis is based on clinical signs and lesions and isolation of B. avium or B. hinzii from the respiratory tract. Tests are available for serological detection of turkeys infected with B. avium but whether they accurately detect B. hinzii infection is unknown. Transmission of B. avium requires close contact between infected and susceptible poults or with contaminated water or litter, in which the bacterium may survive for several months. Meticulous biosecurity practices are essential for keeping flocks free of B. avium since the agent is easily spread via contaminated clothing, equipment, vehicles and other fomites. Use of commercially available B. avium vaccines may reduce the severity or delay the onset of disease, but immunization fails to prevent infection. Antibiotic treatment during outbreaks generally has little effect on the outcome. Sound husbandry practices, including attention to air quality and environmental stressors, will minimize the impact of an outbreak. |