Pasteurella gallinarum: Zimbabwean experience of a versatile pathogen

Area of Science:

• Avian pathology
• Bacteriology
• Veterinary medicine

Background:

• Pasteurella gallinarum is a known avian pathogen.
• Outbreaks in poultry can cause significant economic losses.
• Limited information exists on P. gallinarum in African guinea fowl.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe clinical signs and diagnostic findings of Pasteurella gallinarum outbreaks.
• To report the first documented case of P. gallinarum infection in African guinea fowl.
• To evaluate the efficacy of quinolone therapy and characterize isolates.

Main Methods:

• Clinical case descriptions of outbreaks in chickens and guinea fowl.
• Bacteriological isolation and identification of Pasteurella gallinarum.
• Phenotypic characterization of 28 isolates, including fermentation tests.
• Assessment of treatment response to quinolone therapy.

Main Results:

• Consistent clinical signs included periorbital swelling and keratoconjunctivitis.
• Airsacculitis and petechiation were observed in fatal cases.
• Pasteurella gallinarum was isolated from lesions and conjunctival swabs.
• Quinolone therapy successfully treated clinical signs on one farm.
• Xylose fermentation and ONPG tests showed variable results.
• This is the first report of P. gallinarum in guinea fowl.

Conclusions:

• Pasteurella gallinarum can cause significant disease in chickens and African guinea fowl.
• Clinical signs are consistent, aiding diagnosis.
• Quinolone therapy is effective for treatment.
• Phenotypic variability in some tests warrants further investigation.
• The susceptibility of guinea fowl to P. gallinarum is newly identified.