Professional paper

Enterococcus cecorum infection in poultry

Liča Lozica orcid.org/0000-0001-6627-1944 ; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Željko Gottstein ; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia

Abstract

Enterococcus cecorum infection is characterized by paralysis caused by spinal cord compression of the inflamed sixth thoracic vertebrae. Broilers and broiler breeders are usually the most severely affected, although the disease was reported in all poultry categories. In the acute phase of the infection, mild symptoms such as lameness, weakness and difficulties with walking are usually present. Afterwards, the inflammation causes paralysis and abrupt increase in mortality. Diagnosis is based on the clinical symptoms, isolation and identification of the pathogen using molecular methods. Therapy is effective only in the acute phase of the infection, while the paralyzed birds should be euthanized. As commercial vaccine does not exist, the protection of the flock is based on the reduction of stress, prevention of immunosuppressive diseases and
proper cleaning and preparation of poultry houses before moving in the chicks.

Keywords

Enterococcus cecorum; spondylitis; poultry; broiler

Hrčak ID:

263647

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/263647

Publication date:

12.9.2021.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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