The prevalence of intestinal spirochaetes in poultry flocks in Western Australia.

摘要

A total of 567 samples of caecal faeces were collected from layer and broiler flocks on farms in Western Australia [at an unspecified date], as well as 40 whole caeca from a broiler breeder flock in Western Australia and 13 from a broiler breeder flock with reduced production in New South Wales. Occurrence of diarrhoea or decreased production in the flocks was also noted. The samples were cultured and examined for spirochaetal growth, and the presence of spirochaetes confirmed by phase contrast microscopy. No spirochaetes were isolated from the samples from the New South Wales flock. 16 of 30 (53.3%) broiler breeder flocks and 13 of 37 (35.1%) layer flocks from Western Australia were positive for intestinal spirochaetes. Spirochaetes were isolatedfrom 16 of 25 (64%) flocks with disease signs, compared to only 7 of 25 (28%) flocks which appeared clinically normal. Although the species of spirochaetes isolated were not identified, one appeared similar to Serpulina hyodysenteriae. It is concluded that there is a high prevalence of infection of poultry with intestinal spirochaetes, although it is not clear whether the spirochaetes isolated were the cause of the intestinal problems observed in the flocks.