Bordetellosis (Turkey Coryza)

Authors: Register, Karen; JACKWOOD, MARK - University Of Georgia

Submitted to: Diseases of Poultry
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/12/2018
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Bordetellosis is an acute, highly contagious respiratory disease of young turkeys. Bordetella avium was once considered the sole etiologic agent but Bordetella hinzii is now also known to be a potential cause. Mortality in uncomplicated outbreaks is low but 80-100% morbidity is typical and the economic impact can be substantial. Mortality may be =50% under poor management conditions or when additional pathogens are present. Bordetellosis occurs in nearly all areas of the world where turkeys are intensively raised. Diagnosis is based on clinical signs and lesions and isolation of B. avium or B. hinzii from the respiratory tract. B. avium vaccines may reduce disease severity or delay onset but they fail to prevent infection and are not widely used.

Technical Abstract: Bordetellosis is an acute, highly contagious respiratory disease of young turkeys. Bordetella avium was once considered the sole etiologic agent but Bordetella hinzii is now also known to be a potential cause. Mortality in uncomplicated outbreaks is low but 80-100% morbidity is typical and the economic impact can be substantial. Mortality may be =50% under poor management conditions or when additional pathogens are present. Bordetellosis occurs in nearly all areas of the world where turkeys are intensively raised. Diagnosis is based on clinical signs and lesions and isolation of B. avium or B. hinzii from the respiratory tract. B. avium vaccines may reduce disease severity or delay onset but they fail to prevent infection and are not widely used.