Background. Enteric diseases are an important concern to the poultry industry and coccidiosis is ... more Background. Enteric diseases are an important concern to the poultry industry and coccidiosis is imposing a significant economic burden worldwide. Objectives. The main goal of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of coccidiosis in free-range chicken in Sidi Thabet, northeast Tunisia. Methods. Six hundred and thirty free-range chickens along with fecal samples were collected from 15 flocks in this region and two hundred chickens were found positive for oocysts of Eimeria spp. Intestines were dissected and examined for macroscopic lesions. The mucosa of small intestine and the caeca were examined for the presence and identification of parasitic forms using parasitology methods. The mean lesion scores were usually low (<2+) in different intestinal portions of different types of chicken and high scores (>2+) were attributed mainly to the caeca. Results. The overall rate of coccidiosis was 31.8%: E. tenella (61.5%), E. maxima (12%), and E. acervulina (1.5%). Mixed Eimeria species infection was observed with overall prevalence 26.5%. There was a statistically significant difference (< 0.05) among infection rates, age groups, season, diarrhea, and type of chicken. Conclusion. This is the first report of coccidiosis rate in free-range chicken in this region. Further additional studies are needed to develop better preventive measures against coccidiosis in the country.
Immunosuppression is characterized by a dysfunction of humoral and/or cellular immune response le... more Immunosuppression is characterized by a dysfunction of humoral and/or cellular immune response leading to increase of susceptibility to secondary infections, increase of mortality and morbidity, poor productivity, and welfare and vaccination failures. Humoral immune response depression is due to perturbation of soluble factors, as complement and chemokines in innate immunity and antibodies or cytokines in adaptive immunity. At the cellular immune response, immunosuppression is the consequence of the dysfunction of T-cells, B-cells, heterophils, monocytes, macrophages, and natural Killer cells. Immunosuppression in turkeys can be caused by numerous, non-infectious, and infectious agents, having variable pathological and molecular mechanisms. Interactions between them are very complex. This paper reviews the common viruses inducing clinical and sub-clinical immunosuppression in turkeys, and enteric and neoplastic viruses in particular, as well as the interactions among them. The evaluation of immunosuppression is currently based on classical approach; however, new technique such as the microarray technology is being developed to investigate immunological mediator's genes detection. Controlling of immunosuppression include, in general, biosecurity practices, maintaining appropriate breeding conditions and vaccination of breeders and their progeny. Nevertheless, few vaccines are available against immunosuppressive viruses in turkey's industry. The development of new control strategies is reviewed.
The study was designed to investigate the replication of a re-assortant H9N2 avian influenza viru... more The study was designed to investigate the replication of a re-assortant H9N2 avian influenza virus (AIV) and induction of the interferon (IFNγ) response after aerosol or intranasal inoculation with the virus in guinea fowl. To determine virus shedding pattern, oropharyngeal and cloacal swabs and tissue specimens of trachea, lungs, spleen and caecal tonsils were collected post-inoculation (pi). Infected guinea fowl showed mild clinical signs, while negative control guinea fowl remained healthy and active throughout the experiment irrespective of the inoculation route. However, the clinical signs were more prominent in guinea fowl infected through the aerosol route. Virus was detected in all oropharyngeal and cloacal swabs up to 7 d pi in guinea fowl from both inoculation groups. However, virus was detected more frequently and in higher titres in oropharyngeal swabs and specimens of trachea and lungs from the group exposed to aerosols than in the group given intranasal drops. In accordance with viral replication findings, expression of IFNγ was up-regulated on 1, 2 and 4 d pi to a significantly higher level in lung tissue specimens from the group exposed to virus aerosol than from controls treated with PBS intranasally. On the other hand, IFNγ was up-regulated above that of controls in lung tissue specimens from the group treated with intranasal drops of virus only on 4 d pi. These findings indicate that virus administered in aerosols was more efficient in infecting the lower respiratory tract and in inducing activity of the IFNγ gene than virus administered as intranasal drops. The results of this study suggest that virus aerosols cause more intense respiratory infection and increase the shedding of the H9N2 AIV in guinea fowl, highlighting the potential role of guinea fowl as a mixing bowl for transmission and maintenance of H9N2 AIV between poultry premises.
Chicken infectious anemia virus (CIAV) is an economically important and widely distributed immuno... more Chicken infectious anemia virus (CIAV) is an economically important and widely distributed immunosuppressive agent in chickens. This study performed an epidemiological investigation on CIAV circulation in 195 Tunisian broilers, belonging to 13 lots from five industrial farms and in one rural farm. Fifteen animals were detected positive by a VP1 nested PCR. The amplicons were molecularly characterised by complete genome sequencing. All positive samples obtained in this study were from the rural farm, whereas the industrial farms sampled were negative. Nucleotide and amino acid sequence analyses showed a high degree of similarity among the sequences obtained, suggesting the circulation of a single CIAV strain in the positive lot. Phylogenetic analysis based on the CIAV VP1 nucleotide sequence and/or the complete genome showed that the sequences obtained in this study clustered with CIAV strains previously detected in Tunisia, Italy and Egypt, belonging to genogroup II. Our results hig...
Tuberculosis is a chronic infectious disease affecting several species of domestic and wild birds... more Tuberculosis is a chronic infectious disease affecting several species of domestic and wild birds. It is due to the infection of the gastrointestinal tract, liver and spleen by various Mycobacterium species. This disease is more commonly seen in zoos and wild avian species (Del Pilar Silva et al., 2009) [5]. Mycobacterium avium (serotypes 1, 2 and 3) and Mycobacterium genavense represent the most incriminated germs in the case of avian tuberculosis. This topic describes the observations of the first report of a typical case in a chicken issued from a backyard flock received at the avian clinic of the National Veterinary School of Sidi Thabet. This case prompted-us to bring and develop pathological
Subcutaneous emphysema with unknown etiology was diagnosed in a 28 weeks old rooster suffering fr... more Subcutaneous emphysema with unknown etiology was diagnosed in a 28 weeks old rooster suffering from respiratory difficulties in a free-range flock situated in the region of Sidi Thabet (northeast of Tunisia). Clinical exams, done at the avian clinic of the National Veterinary Medicine School of Tunisia, revealed a high quantity of gas accumulation under skin. Gas was detected in whole body. Radiographic examination showed diffuse radio-transparent zones confirming the emphysema without other anatomical modifications in the different internal organs and skeleton. Simple use of needle puncture was able to relieve the condition and animal was treated with antibiotic injection during three days. Eventually, rooter was recovered.
La coenurose constitue une cause frequente de mortalite chez le mouton. Le diagnostic etiologique... more La coenurose constitue une cause frequente de mortalite chez le mouton. Le diagnostic etiologique des troubles nerveux dans l'espece ovine est particulierement complexe et le recours au laboratoire est souvent necessaire, dans ce cas l'examen lesionnel est d'un grand apport dans l'etablissement d'un diagnostic precis. Les auteurs presentent dans cet article les resultats d'une etude lesionnelle retrospective realisee a l'ecole veterinaire de Sidi Thabet sur la coenurose des ovins. L'analyse de ces resultats montre que sur 653 autopsies, 8,26 % des cas ont pour cause de mortalite une pathologie nerveuse dont 1,68 % ayant developpe une coenurose. Les ovins a coenurose representent 20,37 % de l'ensemble de la pathologie nerveuse recensee dans cette etude. L'etude parasitologique montre que l'essentiel de l'atteinte est occasionnee par un metacestode, larve de Taenia multiceps.
Marek's disease (MD) is a contagious avian viral disease that is responsible for large econom... more Marek's disease (MD) is a contagious avian viral disease that is responsible for large economic losses to farmers. The disease is caused by Marek's disease virus (species Gallid alphaherpesvirus 2), which causes neurological lesions, immune suppression, and tumor proliferation of lymphoid cells that invade a large number of organs and tissues. Despite widespread vaccination, Marek's disease virus (MDV), has shown a continuous increase in its virulence and has acquired the ability to overcome immune responses induced by vaccines. In the present study, the oncogenic serotype MDV-1 was detected by real-time PCR in DNA samples extracted from organs developing tumor infiltrations. Identification of the pathotype based on a 132-bp tandem repeat and sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the Meq gene and its encoded protein allowed classification of the isolated viruses as "very virulent", with two new and unique mutations in the Meq gene resulting in amino acid subs...
Mycoplasmas are widespread bacteria in domestic and wild birds. Among the important species in la... more Mycoplasmas are widespread bacteria in domestic and wild birds. Among the important species in laying hen, Mycoplasma gallisepticum and Mycoplasma synoviae, are considered as an emergent pathogen in the last few years worldwide, causing considerable economic losses as a result of falling eggs and the decrease in egg quality. Transmission of M. synoviae occurs horizontally, more rapidly in multi-age sites, and vertically, leading to a decline in hatchability in breeding farms. The interaction between M. synoviae and the host’s immune system explains the immunosuppression induced by this pathogen. Inside the cell, M. synoviae can escape the immune system by implementing several mechanisms.Subclinical respiratory infection is oft en associated to M. synoviae. However, severe disease may be observed in the presence of other factors (respiratory viruses, stressors). The emergence of a new form of clinical manifestation of disease associated to M. synoviae infection has been described sin...
Research Journal for Veterinary Practitioners, 2019
A lthough nephropathies of poultry are responsible for considerable mortality and decrease in pro... more A lthough nephropathies of poultry are responsible for considerable mortality and decrease in production, they are among the most neglected areas in poultry diseases. There are several reasons for this neglect. Firstly, there is economic importance of morbid phenomena causing high mortality compared to few deaths in poultry flocks due to benign renal disease were unimportant and often hardly noticed. Secondly, many poultry pathologists do not perform well in histopathology and often neglect the examination of kidneys, which are rarely sampled for laboratory analysis. The third and most important reason is that we do not adequately understand the nephropathies of poultry. Kidneys affections can be caused by different pathogens, which had renal main tropism. Nevertheless, in general renal lesions are considered as a complication of systemic diseases. Renal lesions were of variable types: vascular, cellular, tumor and toxic. Numerous etiologies are implicated, including viruses, bacteria, toxins and metabolic factors. Among the viral diseases manifested by predominant renal disorders, infectious bronchitis, infectious bursal disease, inclusion body hepatitis (
B ackyard poultry sector is considered as an important source of income for several families in r... more B ackyard poultry sector is considered as an important source of income for several families in rural areas in Tunisia. These flocks provide a cheap source of protein in the form of meat and eggs. This traditional production contributes to the national poultry production with average of 7% (GIPAC, 2010). Several factors limit the productivity in free-range poultry flocks. Malnutrition, poor management, lack of biosafety conditions and poor vaccination plans. Losses have also been attributed to limit housing and specific veterinary care services. Furthermore, poor genetic potential due to lack of selection and predation are also potential threats to productivity. Parasitic infestation is considered as an important health problem in free-range poultry which handicaps production (Mungube et al., 2008). Birds reared in the free range system are at constant risk of infestation by several types of endoparasites and ectoparasites. Several, species of ectoparasites (flies, lice, mites, and ticks) can infest poultry (Permin et al., 2002). They cause discomfort, decrease in growth and egg production, anaemia, irritation, loss of plumage and skin lesions that may be site of secondary infection. Death may occur when infestation is massive. Environments with high parasitic pressure can limit immunity protection against infectious diseases. A number of epidemiological factors including host, sex, age, breed and environment may influence the occurrence research Article Abstract | The presence of ectoparasites on birds can lead to low productivity and eventually death. This study was carried out to identify and estimate the prevalence of ectoparasites of free-range poultry (Gallus gallus), in the Northeast of Tunisia. A total of 512 birds of both sexes and aged from 1.5 month to 24 months were examined and/ or necropsied. Results showed that 19 ± 3.39% (98 birds), as overall prevalence, were infested by at least one parasite specie. Young animals were more infested (13 ± 2.91%) than adults (6 ± 2.05%). There was significant difference (P < 0.05) in prevalence found during rainy and cold seasons (winter: 24 ± 6.59%; spring: 23 ± 7.83%; autumn: 20 ± 7.87%). Six species of ectoparasite were identified in the present study. Cnemidocoptes mutans (8 ± 2.35%) was the most prevalent, followed by Menopon gallinae (6 ± 2.05%), Laminosioptes cysticola (3 ± 1.47%), tick larvae of Argas persicus (3 ± 1.47%), Echidnophaga gallinacea (3 ± 1.47%) and Menacanthus stramineus (2 ± 1.22%). Infestation by one species of ectoparasite (13 ± 2.91%) was more frequently than mixed infestation (6 ± 2.05%). On the basis of these results it could be suggested that, good management, biosecurity and the education of farmers could be a vital measures to keep free from ectoparasites and improve the productivity of the chicken.
Aspergillosis is one of the most frequent mycosis affecting avian species. Here, we report an out... more Aspergillosis is one of the most frequent mycosis affecting avian species. Here, we report an outbreak of aspergillosis in a backyard flock of ducks (Anas platyrhynchos), aged between 4 wks to 1 year with respiratory signs as dyspnea, gasping and nasal discharge, and up to 14.28% mortality. At necropsy, congested lungs, exudative trachea-bronchitis, airsacculitis and extensive multifocal granulomatous pneumonia were recorded. Histopathology examination revealed chronic multifocal mycotic granulomatous pneumonia. Aspergillus fumigatus was identified by microbiologic study from air sacs and lungs of all autopsied animals. Farm floor was disinfected and bedding material was changed followed by treatment of ducks with copper sulphate (1 g/5 liters) in drinking water fortnightly for two months. Clinical signs and mortality were abided after two months. To the best of our knowledge, this work appears to be the first report of Aspergillosis in ducks in Tunisia.
Background. Enteric diseases are an important concern to the poultry industry and coccidiosis is ... more Background. Enteric diseases are an important concern to the poultry industry and coccidiosis is imposing a significant economic burden worldwide. Objectives. The main goal of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of coccidiosis in free-range chicken in Sidi Thabet, northeast Tunisia. Methods. Six hundred and thirty free-range chickens along with fecal samples were collected from 15 flocks in this region and two hundred chickens were found positive for oocysts of Eimeria spp. Intestines were dissected and examined for macroscopic lesions. The mucosa of small intestine and the caeca were examined for the presence and identification of parasitic forms using parasitology methods. The mean lesion scores were usually low (<2+) in different intestinal portions of different types of chicken and high scores (>2+) were attributed mainly to the caeca. Results. The overall rate of coccidiosis was 31.8%: E. tenella (61.5%), E. maxima (12%), and E. acervulina (1.5%). Mixed Eimeria species infection was observed with overall prevalence 26.5%. There was a statistically significant difference (< 0.05) among infection rates, age groups, season, diarrhea, and type of chicken. Conclusion. This is the first report of coccidiosis rate in free-range chicken in this region. Further additional studies are needed to develop better preventive measures against coccidiosis in the country.
Immunosuppression is characterized by a dysfunction of humoral and/or cellular immune response le... more Immunosuppression is characterized by a dysfunction of humoral and/or cellular immune response leading to increase of susceptibility to secondary infections, increase of mortality and morbidity, poor productivity, and welfare and vaccination failures. Humoral immune response depression is due to perturbation of soluble factors, as complement and chemokines in innate immunity and antibodies or cytokines in adaptive immunity. At the cellular immune response, immunosuppression is the consequence of the dysfunction of T-cells, B-cells, heterophils, monocytes, macrophages, and natural Killer cells. Immunosuppression in turkeys can be caused by numerous, non-infectious, and infectious agents, having variable pathological and molecular mechanisms. Interactions between them are very complex. This paper reviews the common viruses inducing clinical and sub-clinical immunosuppression in turkeys, and enteric and neoplastic viruses in particular, as well as the interactions among them. The evaluation of immunosuppression is currently based on classical approach; however, new technique such as the microarray technology is being developed to investigate immunological mediator's genes detection. Controlling of immunosuppression include, in general, biosecurity practices, maintaining appropriate breeding conditions and vaccination of breeders and their progeny. Nevertheless, few vaccines are available against immunosuppressive viruses in turkey's industry. The development of new control strategies is reviewed.
The study was designed to investigate the replication of a re-assortant H9N2 avian influenza viru... more The study was designed to investigate the replication of a re-assortant H9N2 avian influenza virus (AIV) and induction of the interferon (IFNγ) response after aerosol or intranasal inoculation with the virus in guinea fowl. To determine virus shedding pattern, oropharyngeal and cloacal swabs and tissue specimens of trachea, lungs, spleen and caecal tonsils were collected post-inoculation (pi). Infected guinea fowl showed mild clinical signs, while negative control guinea fowl remained healthy and active throughout the experiment irrespective of the inoculation route. However, the clinical signs were more prominent in guinea fowl infected through the aerosol route. Virus was detected in all oropharyngeal and cloacal swabs up to 7 d pi in guinea fowl from both inoculation groups. However, virus was detected more frequently and in higher titres in oropharyngeal swabs and specimens of trachea and lungs from the group exposed to aerosols than in the group given intranasal drops. In accordance with viral replication findings, expression of IFNγ was up-regulated on 1, 2 and 4 d pi to a significantly higher level in lung tissue specimens from the group exposed to virus aerosol than from controls treated with PBS intranasally. On the other hand, IFNγ was up-regulated above that of controls in lung tissue specimens from the group treated with intranasal drops of virus only on 4 d pi. These findings indicate that virus administered in aerosols was more efficient in infecting the lower respiratory tract and in inducing activity of the IFNγ gene than virus administered as intranasal drops. The results of this study suggest that virus aerosols cause more intense respiratory infection and increase the shedding of the H9N2 AIV in guinea fowl, highlighting the potential role of guinea fowl as a mixing bowl for transmission and maintenance of H9N2 AIV between poultry premises.
Chicken infectious anemia virus (CIAV) is an economically important and widely distributed immuno... more Chicken infectious anemia virus (CIAV) is an economically important and widely distributed immunosuppressive agent in chickens. This study performed an epidemiological investigation on CIAV circulation in 195 Tunisian broilers, belonging to 13 lots from five industrial farms and in one rural farm. Fifteen animals were detected positive by a VP1 nested PCR. The amplicons were molecularly characterised by complete genome sequencing. All positive samples obtained in this study were from the rural farm, whereas the industrial farms sampled were negative. Nucleotide and amino acid sequence analyses showed a high degree of similarity among the sequences obtained, suggesting the circulation of a single CIAV strain in the positive lot. Phylogenetic analysis based on the CIAV VP1 nucleotide sequence and/or the complete genome showed that the sequences obtained in this study clustered with CIAV strains previously detected in Tunisia, Italy and Egypt, belonging to genogroup II. Our results hig...
Tuberculosis is a chronic infectious disease affecting several species of domestic and wild birds... more Tuberculosis is a chronic infectious disease affecting several species of domestic and wild birds. It is due to the infection of the gastrointestinal tract, liver and spleen by various Mycobacterium species. This disease is more commonly seen in zoos and wild avian species (Del Pilar Silva et al., 2009) [5]. Mycobacterium avium (serotypes 1, 2 and 3) and Mycobacterium genavense represent the most incriminated germs in the case of avian tuberculosis. This topic describes the observations of the first report of a typical case in a chicken issued from a backyard flock received at the avian clinic of the National Veterinary School of Sidi Thabet. This case prompted-us to bring and develop pathological
Subcutaneous emphysema with unknown etiology was diagnosed in a 28 weeks old rooster suffering fr... more Subcutaneous emphysema with unknown etiology was diagnosed in a 28 weeks old rooster suffering from respiratory difficulties in a free-range flock situated in the region of Sidi Thabet (northeast of Tunisia). Clinical exams, done at the avian clinic of the National Veterinary Medicine School of Tunisia, revealed a high quantity of gas accumulation under skin. Gas was detected in whole body. Radiographic examination showed diffuse radio-transparent zones confirming the emphysema without other anatomical modifications in the different internal organs and skeleton. Simple use of needle puncture was able to relieve the condition and animal was treated with antibiotic injection during three days. Eventually, rooter was recovered.
La coenurose constitue une cause frequente de mortalite chez le mouton. Le diagnostic etiologique... more La coenurose constitue une cause frequente de mortalite chez le mouton. Le diagnostic etiologique des troubles nerveux dans l'espece ovine est particulierement complexe et le recours au laboratoire est souvent necessaire, dans ce cas l'examen lesionnel est d'un grand apport dans l'etablissement d'un diagnostic precis. Les auteurs presentent dans cet article les resultats d'une etude lesionnelle retrospective realisee a l'ecole veterinaire de Sidi Thabet sur la coenurose des ovins. L'analyse de ces resultats montre que sur 653 autopsies, 8,26 % des cas ont pour cause de mortalite une pathologie nerveuse dont 1,68 % ayant developpe une coenurose. Les ovins a coenurose representent 20,37 % de l'ensemble de la pathologie nerveuse recensee dans cette etude. L'etude parasitologique montre que l'essentiel de l'atteinte est occasionnee par un metacestode, larve de Taenia multiceps.
Marek's disease (MD) is a contagious avian viral disease that is responsible for large econom... more Marek's disease (MD) is a contagious avian viral disease that is responsible for large economic losses to farmers. The disease is caused by Marek's disease virus (species Gallid alphaherpesvirus 2), which causes neurological lesions, immune suppression, and tumor proliferation of lymphoid cells that invade a large number of organs and tissues. Despite widespread vaccination, Marek's disease virus (MDV), has shown a continuous increase in its virulence and has acquired the ability to overcome immune responses induced by vaccines. In the present study, the oncogenic serotype MDV-1 was detected by real-time PCR in DNA samples extracted from organs developing tumor infiltrations. Identification of the pathotype based on a 132-bp tandem repeat and sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the Meq gene and its encoded protein allowed classification of the isolated viruses as "very virulent", with two new and unique mutations in the Meq gene resulting in amino acid subs...
Mycoplasmas are widespread bacteria in domestic and wild birds. Among the important species in la... more Mycoplasmas are widespread bacteria in domestic and wild birds. Among the important species in laying hen, Mycoplasma gallisepticum and Mycoplasma synoviae, are considered as an emergent pathogen in the last few years worldwide, causing considerable economic losses as a result of falling eggs and the decrease in egg quality. Transmission of M. synoviae occurs horizontally, more rapidly in multi-age sites, and vertically, leading to a decline in hatchability in breeding farms. The interaction between M. synoviae and the host’s immune system explains the immunosuppression induced by this pathogen. Inside the cell, M. synoviae can escape the immune system by implementing several mechanisms.Subclinical respiratory infection is oft en associated to M. synoviae. However, severe disease may be observed in the presence of other factors (respiratory viruses, stressors). The emergence of a new form of clinical manifestation of disease associated to M. synoviae infection has been described sin...
Research Journal for Veterinary Practitioners, 2019
A lthough nephropathies of poultry are responsible for considerable mortality and decrease in pro... more A lthough nephropathies of poultry are responsible for considerable mortality and decrease in production, they are among the most neglected areas in poultry diseases. There are several reasons for this neglect. Firstly, there is economic importance of morbid phenomena causing high mortality compared to few deaths in poultry flocks due to benign renal disease were unimportant and often hardly noticed. Secondly, many poultry pathologists do not perform well in histopathology and often neglect the examination of kidneys, which are rarely sampled for laboratory analysis. The third and most important reason is that we do not adequately understand the nephropathies of poultry. Kidneys affections can be caused by different pathogens, which had renal main tropism. Nevertheless, in general renal lesions are considered as a complication of systemic diseases. Renal lesions were of variable types: vascular, cellular, tumor and toxic. Numerous etiologies are implicated, including viruses, bacteria, toxins and metabolic factors. Among the viral diseases manifested by predominant renal disorders, infectious bronchitis, infectious bursal disease, inclusion body hepatitis (
B ackyard poultry sector is considered as an important source of income for several families in r... more B ackyard poultry sector is considered as an important source of income for several families in rural areas in Tunisia. These flocks provide a cheap source of protein in the form of meat and eggs. This traditional production contributes to the national poultry production with average of 7% (GIPAC, 2010). Several factors limit the productivity in free-range poultry flocks. Malnutrition, poor management, lack of biosafety conditions and poor vaccination plans. Losses have also been attributed to limit housing and specific veterinary care services. Furthermore, poor genetic potential due to lack of selection and predation are also potential threats to productivity. Parasitic infestation is considered as an important health problem in free-range poultry which handicaps production (Mungube et al., 2008). Birds reared in the free range system are at constant risk of infestation by several types of endoparasites and ectoparasites. Several, species of ectoparasites (flies, lice, mites, and ticks) can infest poultry (Permin et al., 2002). They cause discomfort, decrease in growth and egg production, anaemia, irritation, loss of plumage and skin lesions that may be site of secondary infection. Death may occur when infestation is massive. Environments with high parasitic pressure can limit immunity protection against infectious diseases. A number of epidemiological factors including host, sex, age, breed and environment may influence the occurrence research Article Abstract | The presence of ectoparasites on birds can lead to low productivity and eventually death. This study was carried out to identify and estimate the prevalence of ectoparasites of free-range poultry (Gallus gallus), in the Northeast of Tunisia. A total of 512 birds of both sexes and aged from 1.5 month to 24 months were examined and/ or necropsied. Results showed that 19 ± 3.39% (98 birds), as overall prevalence, were infested by at least one parasite specie. Young animals were more infested (13 ± 2.91%) than adults (6 ± 2.05%). There was significant difference (P < 0.05) in prevalence found during rainy and cold seasons (winter: 24 ± 6.59%; spring: 23 ± 7.83%; autumn: 20 ± 7.87%). Six species of ectoparasite were identified in the present study. Cnemidocoptes mutans (8 ± 2.35%) was the most prevalent, followed by Menopon gallinae (6 ± 2.05%), Laminosioptes cysticola (3 ± 1.47%), tick larvae of Argas persicus (3 ± 1.47%), Echidnophaga gallinacea (3 ± 1.47%) and Menacanthus stramineus (2 ± 1.22%). Infestation by one species of ectoparasite (13 ± 2.91%) was more frequently than mixed infestation (6 ± 2.05%). On the basis of these results it could be suggested that, good management, biosecurity and the education of farmers could be a vital measures to keep free from ectoparasites and improve the productivity of the chicken.
Aspergillosis is one of the most frequent mycosis affecting avian species. Here, we report an out... more Aspergillosis is one of the most frequent mycosis affecting avian species. Here, we report an outbreak of aspergillosis in a backyard flock of ducks (Anas platyrhynchos), aged between 4 wks to 1 year with respiratory signs as dyspnea, gasping and nasal discharge, and up to 14.28% mortality. At necropsy, congested lungs, exudative trachea-bronchitis, airsacculitis and extensive multifocal granulomatous pneumonia were recorded. Histopathology examination revealed chronic multifocal mycotic granulomatous pneumonia. Aspergillus fumigatus was identified by microbiologic study from air sacs and lungs of all autopsied animals. Farm floor was disinfected and bedding material was changed followed by treatment of ducks with copper sulphate (1 g/5 liters) in drinking water fortnightly for two months. Clinical signs and mortality were abided after two months. To the best of our knowledge, this work appears to be the first report of Aspergillosis in ducks in Tunisia.
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Papers by Khaled Kaboudi