Seroprevalence and identification of Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale from broiler and broiler breeder flocks in Thailand

Ornithobacteriosis is an infectious disease of avian species that has been reported in almost all countries around the world, except Thailand. The objectives of this study were to determine the seroprevalence of Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale (ORT) and to isolate and identify ORT in broilers and broiler breeders in Thailand. Chicken antibodies had been randomly checked from 17 farms (19 flocks) of broilers and 23 farms (28 flocks) of broiler breeders. The seropositive flocks were 63% and 100% in broilers and broiler breeders, respectively. The sera analysis showed that the individual 280 broiler sera antibody responses were 67.5% negative, 12.9% suspect, and 19.6% positive. The individual antibody responses of 510 broiler breeder sera revealed 12.2% negative, 38.0% suspect, and 49.8% positive samples. The bacteria were isolated and identified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Bacterial isolation and identification revealed that nine isolates of the 12 PCR analysis samples showed positive results to PCR analysis. All the positive PCR samples were collected from the broiler breeder farms.     

Swollen head syndrome: clinical observations and serological examinations in West Germany

Swollen Head Syndrome (SHS) affects both broiler and broiler breeders and has become a problem in many countries. Clinical signs similar to those described in SHS conditions have been observed in northern Germany with the disease observed mostly in chicken broilers between 4 and 5 weeks of age and in broiler breeders between 24 and 36 weeks of age. The mortality rate in broilers has been variable from negligible to 5%. In broiler breeders, the symptoms were accompanied with a drop in egg production reaching 2-3% after 1 to 2 weeks. 422 Serum samples from 21 broiler flocks were examined for the presence of antibodies to TRT-virus using indirect ELISA tests. Antibodies were detected in 2 flocks which suffered from SHS, but not in 2 flocks showing respiratory manifestations nor in 17 apparently healthy flocks. The results obtained from testing 178 serum samples from 10 breeder flocks revealed that antibodies to TRT-virus were present in one flock with SHS signs as well as in 6 apparently healthy flocks. In addition, no antibodies were found in sera collected from 3 flocks--one with SHS and respiratory disease history; one recovered from respiratory infection and one without disease history. Examination of paired serum samples from 3 breeder flocks that suffered from typical SHS-signs collected at the onset of the disease and during the convalescent stage, as well as sera from one broiler and one breeder flocks that showed respiratory manifestations, showed that there are significant increases in the number of positive sera in the flocks with SHS symptoms. The other flocks remained free from TRT antibodies.     

Improved broiler performance associated with Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale vaccination in breeders

During a field study in 2010 the daily growth, feed conversion, first-week mortality, broiler loss due to mortality and slaughterhouse condemnation, and production index were monitored in 100 broiler flocks derived from four breeder farms vaccinated with Nobilis OR inac and four Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale-unvaccinated breeder farms of the same organization in Belgium. Other parameters related to the broiler flocks, such as flock size, season, age of the breeders, and corresponding breeder farms, were also noted. All gathered data were examined with ANOVA, linear correlation, and linear regression analyses. Results demonstrated a significant 22.3% lower broiler loss and a significant 3.9% higher production index in the broiler flocks derived from breeders vaccinated with Nobilis OR inac. These results confirm field observations obtained in 1999, thereby providing further evidence for an effect of O. rhinotracheale vaccination in breeders with regard to the improved performance of broilers.     

The use of a bacterin vaccine in broiler breeders for the control of Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale in commercial broilers

Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale (ORT) is a recently identified bacterial pathogen of poultry, linked to the respiratory disease complex of broilers and the economic losses associated with that disease complex. Present control measures applied for the disease include the continuous use of in-feed antibiotics. A recently developed bacterin vaccine that is applied to broiler-breeder hens to pass on protective immunity to their broiler progeny was tested under large-scale commercial conditions in South Africa. An indirect ELISA test for antibodies to ORT, optimised for use in South Africa, was used to determine antibody levels in breeders and broilers. ELISA test results showed that the vaccine stimulated the development of high antibody titre levels in broiler breeders. The efficacy of the vaccine in protecting the progeny of these birds from ORT challenge could not be determined during the trial, although the progeny of vaccinated hens appeared to perform slightly better under commercial conditions than the progeny of unvaccinated hens.     

Monitoring the Immune Status of Broilers Against Reoviruses Using Challenge and Serologic Data

Reoviruses are an important cause of suboptimum performance in commercial broilers worldwide. Integrators use the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay against the S1133 antigen for monitoring serum of breeders for indicating pullet vaccine success. However, without correlating serology to reovirus challenge, it is difficult to determine whether titers reflect protective immunity. We developed a broiler challenge test against 2 common reovirus isolates (2408 and S1133) to evaluate the efficacy of reovirus pullet vaccine programs. Two reovirus serologic and challenge studies were undertaken using chicks from broiler integrators from the southeastern United States. Breeder flocks, from which the chicks were obtained, received at least 1 live and 2 inactivated reovirus vaccines during their pullet phase. One-day-old progeny were collected from 6 breeder flocks. At 1 d of age, 20 chicks from each broiler flock were bled, and serum was analyzed for antibodies. At 3 to 4 d of age, 20 progeny per flock were challenged with the 2408 reovirus by intratracheal route. At 10 to 14 d of age, another 20 birds per flock were challenged with the S1133 reovirus by footpad. Twenty birds per flock were used as nonchallenged controls. At 3 wk of age, all birds were killed and weighed. Percentage of protection was calculated for each flock based on the absence of gross lesions. Flocks with at least 50% protection were considered well protected. Most flocks were well protected against both viruses. The percentage of protection correlated with day-old enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay titers. Chicks from younger hens had higher titers and the best protection against challenge. Producers, whose hen flocks were monitored herein, were doing a good job of immunizing pullets against reovirus. They are now using reovirus progeny challenge studies along with breeder antibody titers to determine vaccination success of their pullets.     

Prevalence and risk factors of Campylobacter infection in broiler flocks from southern Spain

An extensive epidemiological study was performed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of Campylobacter infection in broiler farms in Andalusia (southern Spain). A total of 2221 cloacal swabs and 747 environmental swabs from 291 broiler flocks were screened between April 2010 and May 2012. The prevalence of Campylobacter in individual animals was 38.1%, and the flock prevalence was 62.9%. Flocks were predominantly infected by C. jejuni and C. coli but were also infected by untyped Campylobacter spp., and mixed-species infection could be found. Risk factors for Campylobacter infection were assessed from direct interview of the farmers. The number of positive samples by flock was modelled assuming a binomial distribution. Analysis indicated five factors associated with increased intra-flock prevalence: presence of dogs or cats on the farm, older age of the broiler flock, the application of thinning of flocks, the presence of windows with canvas blinds, and the presence of rodents in the poultry house. Two factors were associated with decreased intra-flock prevalence: the treatment of drinking water and having an entrance room for access into the poultry house. This is the first study performed on broilers farms from Spain reporting the risk factors of Campylobacter infection and is the largest study on the prevalence of Campylobacter infection.     

Isolation of Campylobacter from circulating blood of commercial broilers

Campylobacter spp. are present in organs and tissues of broiler chickens but the dissemination route is unclear. The aim of the current study was to determine Campylobacter prevalence within circulating blood of commercial broilers. Broilers were acquired from 19 flocks originating from three commercial poultry processing companies. Using aseptic blood collection techniques, 5 ml of circulating blood was collected from each bird and the sample analyzed for Campylobacter. The Campylobacter colonization status of each bird was determined by aseptically sampling and analyzing the ceca. Campylobacter was recovered from 58% (11/19) of flocks sampled. From the 248 total birds sampled, 12% and 46% of the birds had Campylobacter in the blood and ceca, respectively. This study documents Campylobacter prevalence in the circulating blood of commercially raised broilers. Campylobacter presence in the circulatory system may indicate the path used by the organism for rapid dissemination to organs and tissues. From a processing viewpoint, Campylobacter presence in circulating blood of market-age broilers may increase the likelihood of cross-contamination between birds during slaughter.     

Serologic evidence of chicken infectious anemia in commercial chicken flocks in southwest Nigeria

Sera samples from seven poultry farms in southwest Nigeria consisting of 7 broiler, 10 pullet, 1 layer, 1 cockerel, and 1 broiler breeder flocks were tested for the presence of chicken infectious anemia virus (CIAV) antibodies using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Eleven of the 20 flocks (55%) and six out of seven (86%) farms were positive for CIAV antibodies. The seroprevalence largely depended on the age of the flocks. Seroprevalence was higher within the older pullet and layer flocks (83%-100%) than in the younger broiler flocks (0%-83%). In essence, all flocks older than 6 to 8 wk became infected. This is the first report of serologic evidence of CIAV in Subsaharan Africa. Since Southwest Nigeria is the main port of entry of imported chicken and the hub of major poultry breeders, the disease can probably be found throughout the country and beyond. Further studies are necessary to assess economic losses due to CIAV and the cost benefit of countermeasures.     

Avian leukosis subgroup J in broiler breeders in Switzerland

Since a new envelope subgroup (J) of the avian leukosis-sarcomatosis-complex was isolated for the first time from broiler breeders in the United Kingdom in 1989 and was characterized and associated with myeloid leukosis (syn. myelocytomatosis) the emergence of this subgroup was reported from all over the world. Thus the first known case of subgroup J avian leukosis in Switzerland in four imported broiler breeder flocks will be described. A total of 53 broiler breeder birds from four flocks showing reduced performance and increased mortality were submitted for postmortem examination. Approximately 20 blood samples from each flock were monitored serologically for antibodies against avian leukosis virus subgroup J (ALV-J). On necropsy myeloid leukosis (ML) was diagnosed in all four flocks. Furthermore the blood samples of three flocks showed significant ELISA-titres for ALV-J.     

Subclinical infectious bursal disease in an integrated broiler production operation.

A field study was designed to determine the prevalence of subclinical infectious bursal disease (IBD) in broiler chickens from a commercial poultry company. Bursae of Fabricius (BF) from two vaccinated and three nonvaccinated broiler flocks were evaluated histologically, and antibody profiles of these broiler and matched parent breeder flocks were established. Lesions of IBD, including lymphoid necrosis, stromal edema, and infiltrates of heterophils and macrophages, were first detected in BF at 24 days of age in both vaccinated and nonvaccinated chickens. At 41 days, all BF had lesions characteristic of IBD, including severe lymphoid depletion, proliferation of epithelial cells, and mild fibroplasia. Although mean maternal antibody levels (measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) in broilers were apparently protective through day 12, IBD antibodies decreased to nonprotective levels (below 1,000) by day 16 or 20. Titers began to increase by day 28 or 32 because of field exposure. Sentinel birds, placed with broiler flocks, also developed IBD antibody titers. Broiler breeders had low and nonuniform antibody titers. Prevalence of field IBD exposure was high, and existing vaccination programs were not effective.     

Infection of turkeys with Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale and Mycoplasma synoviae

Within 1 mo, two separate outbreaks of respiratory disease occurred in two flocks on the multiage market turkey farm in Slovenia. More severe dinical signs and higher mortality were observed in male birds. Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale (ORT) was isolated in pure culture from tracheas of the affected birds in both outbreaks. Commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test showed the presence of antibodies to ORT in sera of birds from both clinically affected flocks and also in two flocks of younger birds without clinical sings. Immunoblotting with ORT culture isolated during the outbreak as an antigen confirmed the presence of antibodies to ORT in sera of turkeys of all four flocks examined. In addition, three different serologic assays also detected antibodies to Mycoplasma synoviae (MS) in three out of four flocks. The concomitant infection with MS did not show an obvious effect on mortality rates nor on the antibody response against ORT. Younger birds appeared to be less susceptible to ORT pathogenicity because in those flocks the infection was subclinical.     

A longitudinal study of campylobacter infection of broiler flocks in Great Britain

One hundred flocks associated with five integrated poultry companies were monitored for one production cycle to investigate risk factors for campylobacter infection of poultry broiler flocks. Bacteriological samples were collected from one house of birds on each site at weekly intervals from 3 to 4 weeks of age until the birds were infected with campylobacter or the flock was depopulated (whichever was sooner). Environmental samples were obtained from 20 houses after cleansing and disinfection of the site before chick arrival. Conventional methods were used for the isolation of campylobacter. Questionnaires were used to collect information on potential risk factors for campylobacter infection. Discrete-time survival analysis was used to assess the influence of various exposures on the age at which the flock was infected with campylobacter.More than 40% of flocks were infected with campylobacter by the time the chicks were 4 weeks old and >90% by 7 weeks. Infection spread rapidly to most birds in a flock. Infection was not predictable by campylobacter status of the last flock reared on the site. (However, because most flocks were infected, the power to detect such an association was poor.) There was no evidence of environmental survival of campylobacters in broiler houses after adequate cleansing and disinfection. The most important predictors of protection from campylobacter were related to effective hygiene barriers (such as housing birds in buildings in a good state of repair, appropriate usage of disinfectant boot dips and a high standard of cleansing and disinfection of the drinking-water equipment). There was no evidence that rodents were a source of infection (but most sites operated effective vermin-control programmes).     

Rearing conditions and foot-pad dermatitis in Swedish broiler chickens

A method of classification of broiler foot-health status was developed to estimate the prevalence of foot-pad dermatitis in Swedish broilers. Data on foot health were collected from 101 commercial broiler flocks at slaughter. The producers were asked to fill in a questionnaire on rearing conditions and equipment for every flock.

Lesions were commonly observed; only 62% of the birds were classified as being without lesions, 32% had mild lesions only (discoloration, erosions) and 6% had severe lesions (ulcers). Flocks reared in houses equipped with small water cups had significantly (P < 0.05) higher prevalences of foot-pad dermatitis than flocks reared with water nipples. Thick layers of litter, regardless of litter material, also resulted in significantly (P < 0.05) higher prevalences of foot-pad dermatitis than litter layers thinner than 5 cm.     

National surveillance of Campylobacter in broilers at slaughter in Denmark in 1998

A surveillance study for thermophilic Campylobacter spp. in broiler flocks was carried out for the year 1998 in Denmark. The study included examinations of 4286 broiler flocks comprising samples from 57,000 birds. Overall, a flock prevalence of 46.0% was recorded. The species distribution was Campylobacter jejuni 86%, Campylobacter coli 11%, Campylobacter lari 1%, other not further diagnosed species 2%. The prevalence was significantly higher in the period from June to October (3.2 < odds ratio [OR] <1.8, P < 0.0002) and was significantly associated with abattoir (OR < 2.8, P < 0.0001) and the length of the period the broiler houses were left empty between flocks (download period; 6 days or more) (OR = 1.6, P < 0.0198). No association between Campylobacter colonization and the age at slaughter was found. Separating the flocks into batches for slaughter elevated the flock prevalence from 0.41 after the first batch had been slaughtered to 0.46 after all batches had been slaughtered.     

Seroprevalence of Histomonas meleagridis in pullets and laying hens determined by ELISA

Serum samples from 1120 layers from 56 flocks and 400 pullets from 20 flocks were tested by an indirect sandwich ELISA to investigate the prevalence of antibodies to Histomonas meleagridis in chickens kept in alternative husbandry systems. The overall prevalence of antibodies to H meleagridis in layers was 37.3 per cent, and positive birds were identified in 50 flocks. This was significantly higher than in pullets, where only 8.3 per cent of the birds tested positive. Optical density (OD) values obtained from pullet sera were much lower than the OD values from layers; however, positive birds were detected in half of the pullet flocks. In particular, all birds from an organic pullet flock were found to be positive, with high OD values. Overall, the highest prevalence of positive sera was obtained from birds kept in free-range flocks. Attempts to reisolate live histomonads from birds in 18 layer flocks were unsuccessful.     

Epidemiology and significance of chicken infectious anemia virus infections in broilers and broiler parents under nonvaccinated European circumstances

A serologic survey in unvaccinated broiler parent and broiler progeny flocks demonstrated seroconversion against chicken infecrious anemia virus (CIAV) in all parent flocks before or around point of lay and in 38% of the broiler flocks examined at slaughter age. The presence of CIAV antibodies at slaughter of broilers was positively correlated with slaughterhouse condemnation rates. Results indicate that CIAV infections are highly prevalent in both broiler parent and broiler flocks and that CIAV infections in broilers are associated with increased slaughterhouse condemnation.     

A survey of Newcastle disease in Swiss laying-hen flocks using serological testing and simulation modelling

Newcastle disease (ND) is a highly contagious viral disease of birds particularly domestic poultry. Switzerland is currently declared free from ND; since vaccination is prohibited, the detection of antibodies against ND virus (NDV) results in the destruction of the respective flock (stamping-out policy). However, in 1995 and 1996, antibody-positive flocks were detected and sporadic ND outbreaks even occurred in Switzerland. Therefore, a serosurvey was done to look for evidence of NDV infections in Swiss laying-hen flocks. The survey was designed to provide 95% confidence of detecting at least one seropositive flock if the flock prevalence were 1%. Thirty blood samples from each of 260 commercial laying-hen flocks were collected during 1996 in a central poultry slaughterhouse. Sera were screened for NDV antibodies with a commercial blocking enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Samples with a questionable or positive test result were retested with the same ELISA. A stochastic computer model was applied to define a cut-off number of test-positive samples to help to differentiate between true- and false-positive flocks and to estimate the true flock prevalence of infection. Four flocks were identified as NDV-seropositive and the NDV true seroprevalence among commercial laying-hen flocks in Switzerland was most likely between 1.35 and 1.55%. This indicates that Swiss laying-hen and parental flocks with more than 150 animals have been in contact with strains of NDV that cause subclinical infection in chicken, because no clinical symptoms have been observed. In this context, computer simulation was a useful technique to interpret survey results.     

Experimental reproduction of enterococcal spondylitis in male broiler breeder chickens

There has been a recent emergence of epidemic spinal infections with necrosis causing lameness and mortality in male broilers and broiler breeders. Mortality in affected flocks may be as high as 15%. The disease has been called enterococcal spondylitis (ES), based on the frequent isolation of Enterococcus cecorum from the lesions and necrosis and inflammation observed in the free thoracic vertebrae (FTV) of affected birds. Male broiler breeders in an experimental setting were challenged with pure E. cecorum isolates obtained from ES-affected commercial flocks. Challenge routes included oral gavage (10(8)), intravenous (i.v.; 10(3)), and air sac (AS; 10(3)). Half the study birds in each group were chemically immunosuppressed with dexamethasone. Spinal lesions were observed grossly in birds challenged intravenously (2.9%) and birds challenged orally (6.1%). Microscopic spinal lesions consistent with ES were more frequently identified compared with gross lesions in the orally challenged group (30.3%). Chemical immunosuppression with dexamethasone was not associated with a greater incidence of ES in this study. By recreating the disease experimentally, the study design reported here may help in the further development of an experimental challenge model for future studies on risk factors, prevention, and therapeutic intervention of ES.