Molecular characterization of Mycoplasma gallisepticum isolates from turkeys.

Mycoplasma gallisepticum was isolated from several turkey flocks at different locations in the United States that were clinically affected with respiratory disease. Five of these isolates from four series of outbreaks had patterns similar to the 6/85 vaccine strain of M. gallisepticum by random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis using three different primer sets, whereas with a fourth primer set (OPA13 and OPA14), only two of the isolates were similar to 6/85. Results obtained by sequencing portions of the pvpA, gapA, and mgc2 genes and an uncharacterized surface lipoprotein gene indicated that the field isolates had DNA sequences that ranged from 97.6% to 100%, similar to the 6/85 results. In some of the outbreaks there was an indirect association with the presence of commercial layers in the area that had been vaccinated with this vaccine strain, but there was no known close association with vaccinated birds in any of the outbreaks. Turkeys were challenged with two of the field isolates and with 6/85 vaccine strain. Turkeys challenged with the field isolates developed respiratory disease with airsacculitis and a typical M. gallisepticum antibody response, whereas birds challenged with 6/85 developed no respiratory signs or lesions and developed only a weak antibody response. Although these isolates were very similar to the 6/85 vaccine strain, it was not possible to prove that they originated from the vaccine strain-it is possible that they could be naturally occurring field isolates.

The use of the drag-swab technique and improved selective plating media in the recovery of Salmonella arizona (7:1,7,8) from turkey breeder hens.

The litter of six turkey hen flocks was sampled using the drag-swab technique to determine the effectiveness of this method in detecting Salmonella arizona. Two flocks with the lowest biosecurity standards were found to have S. arizona. Results showed that the drag-swab technique can provide a sensitive and cost-effective measure of S. arizona infection within a flock.

Congenital extra-hepatic biliary cyst in a Congo African Grey Parrot (Psittacus erithacus erithacus).

An 8-week-old Congo African Grey Parrot (Psittacus erithacus erithacus) was presented with a history of abdominal enlargement since hatch. Trans-illumination of the abdomen suggested that the enlargement was due to marked hepatomegaly. This was supported by radiographic and ultrasonic examination. Postmortem examination revealed an extra-hepatic biliary cyst 4 cm in diameter.

Effect of oxytetracycline-hydrochloric acid on reproduction of female turkeys.

Effects of oxytetracycline-HCl on reproductive performance of turkey breeder hens from the 13 to 24-wk production period were evaluated. During the 13th wk of production, females were grouped into low, medium, and high fertility subclasses. Females within each fertility subclass were randomly reassigned to treatments. The antibiotic was administered via the drinking water (T-2) or via the drinking water plus an intravaginal lavage (T-3). Hens receiving T-2 treatment showed significantly higher fertility than untreated controls (T-1) but also showed significantly higher early embryonic mortality than those receiving the T-3 treatment. Hatchability of all egg set was significantly higher in both antibiotic-treated groups than in controls. Females in the fertility subclasses remained significantly different from each other throughout the experiment. To determine the duration of the effect of antibiotic treatment, eggs were collected in a treatment and posttreatment periods. Fertility (P less than .05), and hatchability (P less than .10) were improved during the treatment period compared with results of the posttreatment period. The T-3 treatment had a long-term effect: it maintained early embryonic mortality at 10% and hatchability at the same level during both treatment periods. A short-term effect was observed in the T-2 group; early embryonic mortality increased (P less than .05) and hatchability decreased (P less than .10) during the posttreatment period. No correlations were found between mycoplasmal or bacterial populations and fertility subclass or antibiotic treatment. Egg production, body weight, feed consumption, feed consumed per egg, egg weight, and egg specific gravity were unaffected by antibiotic treatment.