Original scientific paper

https://doi.org/10.46419/vs.52.3.10

The Zagorje turkey and diseases related to traditional breeding on family farms in Krapina-Zagorje County

Tajana Amšel Zelenika ; Centar za peradarstvo, Hrvatski veterinarski institut, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Tihomir Zglavnik ; Centar za peradarstvo, Hrvatski veterinarski institut, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Marina Tišljar orcid.org/0000-0002-9931-2842 ; Centar za peradarstvo, Hrvatski veterinarski institut, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Borka Šimpraga ; Centar za peradarstvo, Hrvatski veterinarski institut, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Vladimir Savić orcid.org/0000-0003-0398-5346 ; Centar za peradarstvo, Hrvatski veterinarski institut, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Luka Jurinović orcid.org/0000-0002-6216-3978 ; Centar za peradarstvo, Hrvatski veterinarski institut, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Mirta Balenović orcid.org/0000-0002-3966-1389 ; Centar za peradarstvo, Hrvatski veterinarski institut, Zagreb, Hrvatska

Abstract

The Zagorje turkey, as an indigenous Croatian breed with protection of geographical origin and protected designation of origin, is being bred in increasing numbers on family farms. The traditional outdoor way of keeping Zagorje turkey is predisposed for the occurrence of diseases, such as mycoplasmosis and histomoniasis, due to the often insufficient space in facilities and in small outlets often dirty from faeces, food and waste, and based on a feeding method without maintaining the hygiene of feeders and drinkers, with the simultaneous breeding of other poultry species (chickens primarily). Under such conditions, secondary bacterial infection with Escherichia coli is also common. This paper provides basic guidelines for breeding the Zagorje turkey, and gives an overview of the most significant diseases arising in the traditional breeding of Zagorje turkey, based on the results of a two-year study on family farms in Krapina-Zagorje County. A total of 46 farms with over 10,000 raised turkeys per year were monitored. Infectious sinusitis was found in 22% of family farms, and histomoniasis in 11%. In 10 farms, affected by mycoplasmosis or histomoniasis, secondary infection with Escherichia coli was also proven. Frequent, random, uncontrolled and unnecessary use of antimicrobial drugs not only gives rise to bacterial resistance, but likely also contributed to increased mortality and damages on farms. Systematic veterinary supervision is highly important to protect the Zagorje turkey as a Croatian original product, and also to prevent the development of diseases and improve and increase the breeding of this important Croatian poultry.

Keywords

Zagorje turkey; mycoplasmosis; histomoniasis; Escherichia coli

Hrčak ID:

251348

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/251348

Publication date:

16.12.2021.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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