Changes

The organism is thought to be transmitted by contaminted material, as the source of the infection, entering the bird via breaks in the mucous membrane or skin. Fish or fishmeal has been cited as the most likely causes of infection for turkeys. The bacteria can also be transmitted in the semen of the male turkey (tom). Research into vectors of the disease has shown that the poulty red mite (Dermanyssus gallinae) can act as a resrvoir for the bacteria.  

The organism is thought to be transmitted by contaminted material, as the source of the infection, entering the bird via breaks in the mucous membrane or skin. Fish or fishmeal has been cited as the most likely causes of infection for turkeys. The bacteria can also be transmitted in the semen of the male turkey (tom). Research into vectors of the disease has shown that the poulty red mite (Dermanyssus gallinae) can act as a resrvoir for the bacteria.  

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== Clinical Signs  ==

== Clinical Signs  ==

*'''Dark, purplish,&nbsp;swollen snoods''' are seen&nbsp;on affected males

*'''Dark, purplish,&nbsp;swollen snoods''' are seen&nbsp;on affected males

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== Pathology  ==

== Pathology  ==

*Arthritis and vegetative endocarditis and emaciation with chronic infections

*Arthritis and vegetative endocarditis and emaciation with chronic infections

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'''Microscopic'''  

'''Microscopic'''  

*Necrosis of parenchymal cells in the liver, spleen and kidney

*Necrosis of parenchymal cells in the liver, spleen and kidney

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== Diagnosis  ==

== Diagnosis  ==

*Culture of the organism from dead birds is&nbsp;effective, but will not produce quick&nbsp;enough results for treatment of the flock

*Culture of the organism from dead birds is&nbsp;effective, but will not produce quick&nbsp;enough results for treatment of the flock

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== Prevention/ Management  ==

== Prevention/ Management  ==

*'''Vaccination<br>'''- inactivated E. rhusiopathiae&nbsp;bacterin<br>- breeding turkeys- 2 doses, one at 16-20 weeks and the second just prior to laying<br>- meat turkeys- single dose SC

*'''Vaccination<br>'''- inactivated E. rhusiopathiae&nbsp;bacterin<br>- breeding turkeys- 2 doses, one at 16-20 weeks and the second just prior to laying<br>- meat turkeys- single dose SC

Prevention is better than treatment but in the case of an outbreak one should do the following:  

 

Prevention is better than treatment but in the case of an outbreak one should do the following:

*Administration of&nbsp;a rapidly-acting form of penicillin is thought to be most effeciant, either&nbsp;a one-off&nbsp;I.M. injection&nbsp;or in drinking water for 4-5 days  

*Administration of&nbsp;a rapidly-acting form of penicillin is thought to be most effeciant, either&nbsp;a one-off&nbsp;I.M. injection&nbsp;or in drinking water for 4-5 days  

*Erysipelas bacterin&nbsp; (vaccine)

*Erysipelas bacterin&nbsp; (vaccine)

Poor in unvaccinated&nbsp;stock  

 

Poor in unvaccinated&nbsp;stock

Good- guarded in immunised stock with mortality ranging from 1% to 50%&nbsp;

Good- guarded in immunised stock with mortality ranging from 1% to 50%&nbsp;  

Quinn, P.J., Markey, B.K., Carter, M.E., Donnelly, W.J., Leonard, F.C. (2007) Veterinary Microbiology and Microbial Disease Blackwell Publishing&nbsp;

Randall, C.J, (1985) Disease of the Domestic Fowl and Turkey, Wolfe Medical Publications<br>Saif, Y.M,&nbsp;(2008) Diseases&nbsp;of Poultry, Blackwell&nbsp;Publishing<br><br><br><br>

[[Category:Alimentary_Diseases_-_Birds]] [[Category:Musculoskeletal_Diseases_-_Birds]] To_Do_-_Review [[Category:Cardiovascular_Diseases_-_Birds]]

[[Category:Alimentary_Diseases_-_Birds]] [[Category:Musculoskeletal_Diseases_-_Birds]] [[Category:Cardiovascular_Diseases_-_Birds]]