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An outbreak and source investigation of enterococcal spondylitis in broilers caused by Enterococcus cecorum
Kabel M Robbins1, M Mitsu Suyemoto, Roberta L Lyman
1Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, 1060 William Moore Drive, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA.
Enterococcus cecorum caused spondylitis in broiler chickens, leading to paralysis and mortality. The exact source of the bacteria in the flocks remains undetermined, but vertical transmission is unlikely.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Avian Pathology
Background:
- Enterococcal spondylitis (ES) is a significant concern in broiler production.
- Clinical signs include paresis and paralysis, impacting bird welfare and flock economics.
Observation:
- Two North Carolina broiler flocks experienced increased mortality due to ES.
- Affected birds exhibited characteristic neurological signs and necropsy revealed vertebral inflammatory masses.
- Enterococcus cecorum was consistently isolated from spinal lesions.
Findings:
- E. cecorum was identified as the causative agent of spondylitis in affected broilers.
- Environmental and breeder flock sampling did not identify the primary source of infection.
- Isolates from breeders differed genetically from those in broiler lesions, suggesting alternative origins.
Implications:
- The study highlights the challenge in identifying the source of E. cecorum for broiler flocks.
- Findings suggest that vertical transmission from breeders may not be the primary route for this specific outbreak.
- Further research is needed to elucidate transmission pathways of E. cecorum in poultry.
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