Salpingo-peritonitis in captive African Houbara bustards (Chlamydotis undulata)

Captive breeding of endangered species, such as the African Houbara bustard (Chlamydotis undulata) is an essential part of conservation programmes. However, several factors may negatively impact the health and reproductive performance of captive animals, including genital infections. Between 2010 and 2023, a total of 439 cases of salpingo-peritonitis were diagnosed in a flock of African Houbara breeders belonging to a Moroccan conservation project, relying exclusively on artificial insemination and artificial incubation of eggs (annual prevalence from 0.07% to 1.64%). To improve the overall knowledge of reproductive pathology in this avian species, a representative sample of 14 cases registered in 2022 were characterized, combining gross pathology, histopathology, microbiology and molecular biology. Overall, 4/14 bustards died spontaneously and exhibited septicaemic changes, while 10/14 euthanized birds presented signs consistent with chronic salpingo-peritonitis and oviductal impaction. The latter was further confirmed at histopathology and, in eight bustards, was associated with mucosal changes resembling cystic endometrial hyperplasia, a condition commonly reported in mammals and potentially predisposing to secondary bacterial infections. Escherichia coli was isolated from the reproductive tract of 12/14 birds. Molecular characterization of nine selected isolates revealed the presence of several virulence factors associated with avian pathogenic E. coli. The variety of virulence, as well as antimicrobial sensitivity profiles identified, combined with the pathological presentation, suggested the involvement of multiple bacterial strains. Overall, in addition to the presence of specific virulence genes, management and host-related factors should also be considered as important determinants of the pathogenic potential of E. coli in captive African Houbaras.RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTSFirst comprehensive description of salpingo-peritonitis in African Houbaras.First report of cystic oviductal hyperplasia in African Houbaras.Escherichia coli isolated from the reproductive tract of the majority of birds.Several virulence and antimicrobial sensitivity profiles identified.