Campylobacter colitis in ranch mink in Ontario

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Pathology
• Microbiology
• Animal Health

Background:

• Outbreaks of colitis occurred in commercial mink in Ontario.
• Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli were the sole pathogens identified.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the cause and characteristics of colitis outbreaks in mink.
• To experimentally reproduce the disease and identify the source of infection.

Main Methods:

• Isolation and identification of bacterial pathogens from affected mink.
• Gross and microscopic examination of colonic lesions.
• Experimental oral inoculation of Campylobacter jejuni in disease-free mink.
• Transmission electron microscopy of intestinal epithelium.

Main Results:

• Naturally occurring outbreaks involved lesions restricted to the proximal colon with focal erosions/ulcers.
• Histological examination revealed mucosal thickening, inflammation, and ulceration.
• Experimentally infected mink developed similar clinical signs and pathological lesions.
• Campylobacter jejuni invasion of intestinal epithelium was not observed via electron microscopy.

Conclusions:

• Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli are causative agents of colitis in mink.
• Uncooked slaughterhouse chicken offal is the probable source of Campylobacter infection in these outbreaks.
• The disease affects the proximal colon, characterized by erosions and inflammation.