Antibiotic aerosolization for treatment of alcaligenes rhinotracheitis

Aerosolization of oxytetracycline hydrochloride for treatment and control of rhinotracheitis caused by Alcaligenes faecalis was performed in complete confinement on two turkey flocks immediately preceding vaccination with Newcastle disease virus (NDV). Tracheal culture results indicated populations of A. faecalis decreased following treatment. Clinical observations showed the treated turkeys had greater activity and more alertness compared with untreated A. faecalis-infected flocks, and respiratory sounds were diminished overall. Increased food and water consumption and no stunting was observed in treated turkeys. Treated flocks had a substantial decrease in mortality during the 4-week post-NDV vaccination period compared with untreated flocks. These results, although inadequately controlled, suggest a promising treatment program for A. faecalis infection in turkeys.