Erysipelotrix rhusiopathiae is the etiologic agent of erysipelas in animals. It is a worldwide diffused disease which affects swine and avian species. Erysipelas in avian is mostly reported in turkey and chicken, although its prevalence is probably underestimated. Even more rarely the disease is reported in wild species, but they could play an important role in disseminating the pathogen. Here we report an unusual focus of erysipelas in a pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) farm. Ten 8-month old birds were brought to our facilities following a history of malaise, sensory impairment and mortality in a pheasant farm. At necropsy, we observed wide alopecic areas, with correspondent thickness of skin. Diffused hemorrhages were evident mainly along the muscles of chest, liver, spleen and epicardium. Catarrhal hemorrhages were also evident in the distal part of gut. Histological observations evidenced necrotic phlogistic foci characterized by fibrotic suppuration from gut and proventricula samples. Thrombotic areas were evident in kidney and spleen samples. In each case, microscopy observations showed bacterial cells and aggregate, also found in the blood. Bacteriological analyses let us isolate and identify E. rhusiopathiae. Following identification, a therapy with β-lactamic antimicrobial agents was administered, quick resolving the case. This report confirms the E. rhusiopathiae may circulate in wild birds, such as pheasant. We hypothesize that overcrowding could have promoted the epidemic-like burden of the disease in the farm. Further studies should be carried out to verify the possibility that wild avian species such as pheasant could act as a reservoir for E. rhusiopathiae.

FOCOLAIO DI MAL ROSSINO IN UN ALLEVAMENTO DI FAGIANI.

CAMARDA, Antonio;Pugliese N;
2012-01-01

Abstract

Erysipelotrix rhusiopathiae is the etiologic agent of erysipelas in animals. It is a worldwide diffused disease which affects swine and avian species. Erysipelas in avian is mostly reported in turkey and chicken, although its prevalence is probably underestimated. Even more rarely the disease is reported in wild species, but they could play an important role in disseminating the pathogen. Here we report an unusual focus of erysipelas in a pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) farm. Ten 8-month old birds were brought to our facilities following a history of malaise, sensory impairment and mortality in a pheasant farm. At necropsy, we observed wide alopecic areas, with correspondent thickness of skin. Diffused hemorrhages were evident mainly along the muscles of chest, liver, spleen and epicardium. Catarrhal hemorrhages were also evident in the distal part of gut. Histological observations evidenced necrotic phlogistic foci characterized by fibrotic suppuration from gut and proventricula samples. Thrombotic areas were evident in kidney and spleen samples. In each case, microscopy observations showed bacterial cells and aggregate, also found in the blood. Bacteriological analyses let us isolate and identify E. rhusiopathiae. Following identification, a therapy with β-lactamic antimicrobial agents was administered, quick resolving the case. This report confirms the E. rhusiopathiae may circulate in wild birds, such as pheasant. We hypothesize that overcrowding could have promoted the epidemic-like burden of the disease in the farm. Further studies should be carried out to verify the possibility that wild avian species such as pheasant could act as a reservoir for E. rhusiopathiae.
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11586/108466
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