Pasteurella multocida recovered from live turkeys: prevalence and virulence in turkeys

Swabs of the oropharynges of 801 live turkeys (621 meat birds and 180 breeders), collected from 15 flocks that had experienced an outbreak of fowl cholera and from 12 non-outbreak flocks, were screened for the presence of Pasteurella multocida. Turkeys from outbreak flocks were sampled within 2 to 9 weeks of the outbreak. Forty-nine isolates of P. multocida were recovered from turkeys in 11 of the outbreak flocks, and none were recovered from turkeys in non-outbreak flocks. Isolation rates varied from 0 to 72% of turkeys sampled in a flock. Nineteen isolates were tested for virulence by injecting them intravenously into turkeys, and 14 were lethal. Results demonstrated that for purposes of disease control, meat birds in fowl-cholera-outbreak flocks should be considered carriers of potentially virulent P. multocida for the life of the flock.     

Pododermatitis in turkeys

Severe pododermatitis is a common lesion in turkeys, unlike in broiler chickens. Both dietary factors (soybean meal, biotin, methionine) and poor litter conditions (wet litter) are documented etiologies of footpad lesions. In the United States and United Kingdom both farm managers and processors monitor lesions. The United Kingdom reports an average footpad relative score higher than that of the United States. In both countries, incidence in toms is higher than in hens. There is no significant difference by country. Data support no consistent association with other lesions (i.e., breast blisters or condemnations), breed, or performance parameters (i.e., weight gain or age). The litter type used in the United Kingdom is either straw or wood shavings, whereas in the United States producers predominantly use wood shavings. In the United Kingdom, diets are formulated with a higher protein, which affects the excreta and subsequent litter conditions. British United Turkey is the predominate breed in the United Kingdom. In the United States, three breeds, British United Turkey of America, hybrid, and Nicholas, are common. Recent research has demonstrated the association between biotin levels and pododermatitis. Factors associated with pododermatitis (such as production systems, wet litter, and stocking density) are discussed. There are some indications that increased stocking density is associated with pododermatitis lesions. Further research is needed to identify what management factors are associated with pododermatitis.     

Runting and stunting syndrome in turkeys

A syndrome resulting in increased early deaths, runting and stunting in turkeys is described in 14 flocks at six sites in Ireland. Pathological lesions included bursal and thymic atrophy and mild degenerative changes in the pancreas of the affected poults. Entero-like virus, rotavirus, reovirus and adenovirus were detected in the affected poults and there was strong circumstantial evidence of lateral transmission of an infectious agent. Depopulation and thorough disinfection of affected houses appeared to eliminate the problem.     

Beak trimming in turkeys

In Germany, Bio-beaker and infra-red irradiation (PSP) are used for beak trimming in turkey chicks as routine methods to prevent feather pecking and cannibalism. By both procedures the animals suffer from extensive damage and considerable continuous pain. Beak trimming is allowed by animal welfare legislation, but the operation requires an official permission and must be carried out under anesthesia. The official intention, due to animal welfare reasons, to decrease this operation and to question it permanently fails because beak trimming without anesthesia is tolerated. Elaboration of alternative programs has been demanded for a long time. Therefore selection of stocks tending less to cause feather pecking and cannibalism as well as adequate keeping and housing conditions during hatching and rearing are proposed.     

火鸡肝脏脂肪沉积症

肝脏脂肪沉积症又称脂肪肝或肝脂肪变性,是一种会影响火鸡种用母鸡或肉火鸡的病理性疾病。这种疾病显然通常发生在健康火鸡上,其确切病因仍有待确定。     

Spontaneous buphthalmos in the Djungarian hamster (Phodopus sungorus campbelli)

Four Djungarian hamsters ( Phodopus sungorus campbelli ) were examined because of insidious globe enlargement, visual impairment and secondary altered behavior. Buphthalmos, deep anterior chambers, widely dilated pupils and poor to absent pupillary light reflexes were evident bilaterally in all four animals. Pale retinae and atrophic optic nerve heads were observed in the oldest hamsters. Light microscopic findings, including uveal atrophy, retinal atrophy (especially the inner retina), and a relative decrease in ganglion cells and optic nerve atrophy, were consistent with glaucoma. The etiology was unclear, but a genetic predisposition cannot be excluded.