Investigation of Salmonella spp. in free-range chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) in Southern Rio Grande do Sul / Pesquisa de Salmonella spp. em galinhas coloniais (Gallus gallus domesticus) no sul do Rio Grande do Sul

Salmonelose é uma doença causada por bactérias do gênero Salmonella, com importância para saúde pública e animal. Dentre os sorotipos hospedeiro-específicos, destaca-se o Gallinarum, que possui os biovares Gallinarum e Pullorum adaptados às aves e amplamente difundidos pelo mundo. Os dados sobre a ocorrência de Salmonella spp. em criações avícolas alternativas no Brasil são escassos. O objetivo deste estudo foi pesquisar a ocorrência de Salmonella spp. em galinhas coloniais encaminhadas para necropsia ao LRD/FV/UFPel. Foram realizadas análises histopatológicas, microbiológicas e moleculares das colônias bacterianas isoladas de 12 amostras de órgãos de galinhas domésticas dos municípios de Pelotas e Piratini, no Rio Grande do Sul. Na análise microbiológica, foram isoladas bactérias do gênero Salmonella sorotipo Gallinarum das 12 amostras, sendo 10/12 bioquimicamente compatíveis com biovar Gallinarum e 2/12 com biovar Pullorum. Na análise molecular PCR 11/12, 91,7% foram identificadas genotipicamente como Salmonella spp. O presente estudo demonstrou uma elevada frequência de isolamento de Salmonella Gallinarum biovar Gallinarum em aves sintomáticas criadas em regime extensivo. Além disso, os dados epidemiológicos das aves analisadas demonstram que a infecção por Salmonella Gallinarum nesses casos está associada ao contato com aves silvestres e falhas de manejo sanitário.(AU)

Highly Pathogenic and Multidrug Resistant Avian Pathogenic Escherichia Coli in Free-Range Chickens from Brazil

Avian pathogenic Escherichiacoli (APEC) virulence mechanism has been continuously studied and it is believed to be multifactorial and because of this, this work aimed to characterize potentially APEC strains isolated from free-range hens. Isolates were submitted to PCR for the detection of virulence genes, which were of high prevalence. In vivo inoculation of day-old chicks revealed that 49 of these strains were of high and intermediate pathogenicity. In addition, isolates were submitted to antimicrobials susceptibility test with the majority of the strains presenting multiresistance. Phylogenetic analysis showed a greater presence of potentially APEC isolates in-group B2. In addition, high heterogeneity was detected among the isolates byXbaI enzyme. Fifteen serogroups were identified, being the O8 the most frequent. These results strengthen the fact that a combination of diverse factors are associated with the pathogenicity APEC strains, as well as to highlight its importance to public health and that free-range hens can act as a reservoirs of potentially zoonoticbacteria.(AU)

Highly Pathogenic and Multidrug Resistant Avian Pathogenic Escherichia Coli in Free-Range Chickens from Brazil

Avian pathogenic Escherichiacoli (APEC) virulence mechanism has been continuously studied and it is believed to be multifactorial and because of this, this work aimed to characterize potentially APEC strains isolated from free-range hens. Isolates were submitted to PCR for the detection of virulence genes, which were of high prevalence. In vivo inoculation of day-old chicks revealed that 49 of these strains were of high and intermediate pathogenicity. In addition, isolates were submitted to antimicrobials susceptibility test with the majority of the strains presenting multiresistance. Phylogenetic analysis showed a greater presence of potentially APEC isolates in-group B2. In addition, high heterogeneity was detected among the isolates byXbaI enzyme. Fifteen serogroups were identified, being the O8 the most frequent. These results strengthen the fact that a combination of diverse factors are associated with the pathogenicity APEC strains, as well as to highlight its importance to public health and that free-range hens can act as a reservoirs of potentially zoonoticbacteria.

Toxoplasma Gondii and Neospora Caninum Antibodies in Backyard Chickens in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum are two intracellular apicomplexan protozoa with worldwide distribution, and are responsible for reproductive disorders in sheep and cattle. These protozoa may infect a wide variety of domestic and wild animals, including birds, and backyard chickens can be used as sentinels of their infection. Parasites investigation in backyard chickens may be useful for the evaluation of environmental contamination with oocysts, of the disease cycle, and of risk factors associated with public health. The aim of this study was establish the importance of backyard chickens as T. gondii and N. caninum hosts. A number of 137 serum samples were collected from chickens in 23 farms in Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, and tested for toxoplasmosis and neosporosis by indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT). Anti-Toxoplasma and anti-Neospora antibodies were detected in 20 (87%) farms. Total prevalence of T. gondii was 74.4% (102/137) and 36.5% (50/137) for N. caninum, while 12.4% (17/137) of the chickens were positive for both protozoa. The results show that backyard chicken can used as indicators of the presenced of the protozoa N. caninum and T. gondii, emphasizing yours importance in the public health. Considering the high prevalence of toxoplasmosis in backyard chickens in the region, control measures should be taken to prevent transmission of the infection to the animals and humans.(AU)

Toxoplasma Gondii and Neospora Caninum Antibodies in Backyard Chickens in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum are two intracellular apicomplexan protozoa with worldwide distribution, and are responsible for reproductive disorders in sheep and cattle. These protozoa may infect a wide variety of domestic and wild animals, including birds, and backyard chickens can be used as sentinels of their infection. Parasites investigation in backyard chickens may be useful for the evaluation of environmental contamination with oocysts, of the disease cycle, and of risk factors associated with public health. The aim of this study was establish the importance of backyard chickens as T. gondii and N. caninum hosts. A number of 137 serum samples were collected from chickens in 23 farms in Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, and tested for toxoplasmosis and neosporosis by indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT). Anti-Toxoplasma and anti-Neospora antibodies were detected in 20 (87%) farms. Total prevalence of T. gondii was 74.4% (102/137) and 36.5% (50/137) for N. caninum, while 12.4% (17/137) of the chickens were positive for both protozoa. The results show that backyard chicken can used as indicators of the presenced of the protozoa N. caninum and T. gondii, emphasizing yours importance in the public health. Considering the high prevalence of toxoplasmosis in backyard chickens in the region, control measures should be taken to prevent transmission of the infection to the animals and humans.

Investigation of Salmonella spp. in backyard chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) and eggs sold in free markets in the city of Fortaleza, Ceará / Pesquisa de Salmonella spp. em galinhas criadas em fundo de quintal (Gallus gallus domesticus) e ovos comercializados nas feiras livres na cidade de Fortaleza, Ceará

Poultry meat and byproducts are the main protein source for man. However, such foods are related tooutbreaks of food-borne infections around the world, caused mainly by Salmonella spp. Therefore, thepresent study aimed to investigate the presence of Salmonella spp. in material collected in properties ofbackyard chickens (eggs, ration, cloacal swab and drag swab) and to perform a survey of members ofthe Enterobacteriaceae family in eggs commercialized in the main free markets of Fortaleza. Individualcloacal swabs were collected from 405 backyard chickens from 18 houses and 10 eggs were alsocollected for analysis of eggshell and internal content from each sampled household, totaling 180 eggs.From the free markets, 90 eggs were collected. Once sampled, the ration, cloacal swab, drag swab, shelland internal contents of eggs were incubated in Peptone Water and aliquots were placed in Rappaport-Vassiliadis broth and Selenite-Cystine broth added Novobiocin. Following, aliquots of each broth werestreaked in plates Brilliant Green agar and MacConkey agar. Suspect colonies for Salmonella spp.were submitted to biochemical identification, with the temperature and incubation time standardizedin 37ºC/24h, respectively. Eggs collected from houses were broken in sterile beaker and maintained inbacteriological incubator at 37ºc/24h. After such period, aliquots collected were incubated in Rappaport-Vassiliadis broth and Selenite-Cystine broth added Novobiocin, following the same bacteriologicalprocedure mentioned previously for swabs. Eggs from free markets were analyzed with the samemethodology as the house eggs, minus the antibiotic Novobiocin in the Selenite-Cystin broth, andwith further biochemical tests used to identify the different members of the Enterobacteriaceae family.No Salmonella spp. were isolated from swab or egg samples.(AU)

A carne de aves e seus subprodutos são as principais fontes de proteína para o homem. No entanto estão implicadas em surtos de toxi-infecção em todo o mundo, causada principalmente por Salmonella spp. Assim, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo investigar a presença de Salmonella spp. em material coletado em propriedades criadoras de galinhas de fundo de quintal (ovos, ração, swab cloacal e de arrasto) e realizar um levantamento das enterobactérias encontradas nos ovos comercializados nas principais feiras livres da cidade de Fortaleza. Foi realizado coleta de swab cloacal individual em 405 galinhas caipiras de 18 criatórios, e coletado dez ovos por propriedade para análise do conteúdo interno e da casca, totalizando 180 ovos. Amostras de swabs de arrastos e de ração também foram coletadas nas propriedades. Nas feiras livres, foram adquiridos 90 ovos. Após coletados, a ração, os swabs cloacais e de arrasto, casca e conteúdos interno dos ovos foram colocados em Água Peptonada (AP) e em seguida transferido uma alíquota para caldo Rappaport-Vassiliadis (RV) e Seletino-Cistina contendo novobiocina (SCN). Seguidamente foi realizado plaqueamento em Ágar Verde Brilhante (AVB) e MacConkey (MC). As colônias suspeitas para Salmonella spp. foram submetidas à identificação bioquímica, sendo a temperatura e período de incubação padronizado em todas as etapas em 37C/24h, respectivamente.(AU)

Investigation of Salmonella spp. in backyard chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) and eggs sold in free markets in the city of Fortaleza, Ceará / Pesquisa de Salmonella spp. em galinhas criadas em fundo de quintal (Gallus gallus domesticus) e ovos comercializados nas feiras livres na cidade de Fortaleza, Ceará

Poultry meat and byproducts are the main protein source for man. However, such foods are related tooutbreaks of food-borne infections around the world, caused mainly by Salmonella spp. Therefore, thepresent study aimed to investigate the presence of Salmonella spp. in material collected in properties ofbackyard chickens (eggs, ration, cloacal swab and drag swab) and to perform a survey of members ofthe Enterobacteriaceae family in eggs commercialized in the main free markets of Fortaleza. Individualcloacal swabs were collected from 405 backyard chickens from 18 houses and 10 eggs were alsocollected for analysis of eggshell and internal content from each sampled household, totaling 180 eggs.From the free markets, 90 eggs were collected. Once sampled, the ration, cloacal swab, drag swab, shelland internal contents of eggs were incubated in Peptone Water and aliquots were placed in Rappaport-Vassiliadis broth and Selenite-Cystine broth added Novobiocin. Following, aliquots of each broth werestreaked in plates Brilliant Green agar and MacConkey agar. Suspect colonies for Salmonella spp.were submitted to biochemical identification, with the temperature and incubation time standardizedin 37ºC/24h, respectively. Eggs collected from houses were broken in sterile beaker and maintained inbacteriological incubator at 37ºc/24h. After such period, aliquots collected were incubated in Rappaport-Vassiliadis broth and Selenite-Cystine broth added Novobiocin, following the same bacteriologicalprocedure mentioned previously for swabs. Eggs from free markets were analyzed with the samemethodology as the house eggs, minus the antibiotic Novobiocin in the Selenite-Cystin broth, andwith further biochemical tests used to identify the different members of the Enterobacteriaceae family.No Salmonella spp. were isolated from swab or egg samples.

A carne de aves e seus subprodutos são as principais fontes de proteína para o homem. No entanto estão implicadas em surtos de toxi-infecção em todo o mundo, causada principalmente por Salmonella spp. Assim, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo investigar a presença de Salmonella spp. em material coletado em propriedades criadoras de galinhas de fundo de quintal (ovos, ração, swab cloacal e de arrasto) e realizar um levantamento das enterobactérias encontradas nos ovos comercializados nas principais feiras livres da cidade de Fortaleza. Foi realizado coleta de swab cloacal individual em 405 galinhas caipiras de 18 criatórios, e coletado dez ovos por propriedade para análise do conteúdo interno e da casca, totalizando 180 ovos. Amostras de swabs de arrastos e de ração também foram coletadas nas propriedades. Nas feiras livres, foram adquiridos 90 ovos. Após coletados, a ração, os swabs cloacais e de arrasto, casca e conteúdos interno dos ovos foram colocados em Água Peptonada (AP) e em seguida transferido uma alíquota para caldo Rappaport-Vassiliadis (RV) e Seletino-Cistina contendo novobiocina (SCN). Seguidamente foi realizado plaqueamento em Ágar Verde Brilhante (AVB) e MacConkey (MC). As colônias suspeitas para Salmonella spp. foram submetidas à identificação bioquímica, sendo a temperatura e período de incubação padronizado em todas as etapas em 37C/24h, respectivamente.

Cholangiocarcinoma in backyard chicken

Tumors arising from intrahepatic bile ducts and gall bladder have been described in several species of domestic animals. Cholangiocarcinoma is a neoplastic proliferation of the intrahepatic biliary system commonly reported in dogs, cats, sheep, cattle, horses, goat, birds kept in captivity, and occasionaly in wildlife animals. A few cases have been described in broiler chicken. This is the first report of cholangiocarcinoma in poultry, species Gallus gallus domesticus, in Brazil. The diagnosis was based in histology lesions and immunohistochemistry findings.(AU)

Cholangiocarcinoma in backyard chicken

Tumors arising from intrahepatic bile ducts and gall bladder have been described in several species of domestic animals. Cholangiocarcinoma is a neoplastic proliferation of the intrahepatic biliary system commonly reported in dogs, cats, sheep, cattle, horses, goat, birds kept in captivity, and occasionaly in wildlife animals. A few cases have been described in broiler chicken. This is the first report of cholangiocarcinoma in poultry, species Gallus gallus domesticus, in Brazil. The diagnosis was based in histology lesions and immunohistochemistry findings.

Seroprevalence survey of H9N2 avian influenza virus in backyard chickens around the Caspian Sea in Iran

Since 1998, an epidemic of avian influenza occurred in the Iranian poultry industry. The identified agent presented low pathogenicity, and was subtyped as an H9N2 avian influenza virus. Backyard chickens can play an important role in the epidemiology of H9N2 avian influenza virus infection. Close contact of backyard chickens with migratory birds, especially with aquatic birds, as well as neighboring poultry farms, may pose the risk of transmitting avian influenza virus, but little is known about the disease status of backyard poultry. A H9N2 avian influenza virus seroprevalence survey was carried out in 700 backyard chickens from villages around the Caspian Sea, Northern Iran, using the hemagglutination-inhibition (HI) test. The studied backyard chickens had not been previously vaccinated and showed no clinical signs of disease. The mean antibody titers found were 6.8, 7.5, 5.9, 7.2, 5.7, 6.4, 6.2 and the seroprevalence was 76.2%, 79.5%, 68.18%, 78.27%, 65%, 72.31% and 71.4% as found in seven villages. Overall HI titer and seroprevalence against H9N2 were 6.52 and 72.98%, respectively.

Seroprevalence survey of H9N2 avian influenza virus in backyard chickens around the Caspian Sea in Iran

Since 1998, an epidemic of avian influenza occurred in the Iranian poultry industry. The identified agent presented low pathogenicity, and was subtyped as an H9N2 avian influenza virus. Backyard chickens can play an important role in the epidemiology of H9N2 avian influenza virus infection. Close contact of backyard chickens with migratory birds, especially with aquatic birds, as well as neighboring poultry farms, may pose the risk of transmitting avian influenza virus, but little is known about the disease status of backyard poultry. A H9N2 avian influenza virus seroprevalence survey was carried out in 700 backyard chickens from villages around the Caspian Sea, Northern Iran, using the hemagglutination-inhibition (HI) test. The studied backyard chickens had not been previously vaccinated and showed no clinical signs of disease. The mean antibody titers found were 6.8, 7.5, 5.9, 7.2, 5.7, 6.4, 6.2 and the seroprevalence was 76.2%, 79.5%, 68.18%, 78.27%, 65%, 72.31% and 71.4% as found in seven villages. Overall HI titer and seroprevalence against H9N2 were 6.52 and 72.98%, respectively.

Fowlpox: identification and adoption of prophylactic measures in backyard chickens in Bahia, Brazil

This paper describes the identification of an outbreak of fowlpox in backyard chickens in two villages the state of Bahia, the intervention strategy to control the disease by adopting health measures and vaccination, as well as the impact of the intervention. The diagnosis was based in clinical and laboratory data. After the diagnosis was confirmed, control measures and the vaccination of non-infected birds were recommended. Finally, the impact of the intervention on re-incidence of the disease was evaluated. A number of 700 chickens was vaccinated, after which only 9% of the farmers reported the occurrence of new cases, and 70% informed the acquisition of new birds after vaccination. The information reported in this paper can be useful to design strategic plans to control fowlpox in backyard chickens.

Occurrence of chicken anemia virus in backyard chickens of the metropolitan region of Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais

The occurrence of CAV in backyard chickens in the metropolitan area of Belo Horizonte, Brazil, was evaluated. The spleen and thymus of chickens from different origins were collected for DNA extraction and nested-PCR. CAV genome was detected in 30% of the flocks (n=20) examined. CAV origin for backyard chickens is speculated, taking into consideration its widespread incidence in the chicken industry, the contamination of live vaccines with CAV prior to its eradication from SPF flocks, and the use of attenuated CAV vaccines.

Occurrence of chicken anemia virus in backyard chickens of the metropolitan region of Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais

The occurrence of CAV in backyard chickens in the metropolitan area of Belo Horizonte, Brazil, was evaluated. The spleen and thymus of chickens from different origins were collected for DNA extraction and nested-PCR. CAV genome was detected in 30% of the flocks (n=20) examined. CAV origin for backyard chickens is speculated, taking into consideration its widespread incidence in the chicken industry, the contamination of live vaccines with CAV prior to its eradication from SPF flocks, and the use of attenuated CAV vaccines.

Fowlpox: identification and adoption of prophylactic measures in backyard chickens in Bahia, Brazil

This paper describes the identification of an outbreak of fowlpox in backyard chickens in two villages the state of Bahia, the intervention strategy to control the disease by adopting health measures and vaccination, as well as the impact of the intervention. The diagnosis was based in clinical and laboratory data. After the diagnosis was confirmed, control measures and the vaccination of non-infected birds were recommended. Finally, the impact of the intervention on re-incidence of the disease was evaluated. A number of 700 chickens was vaccinated, after which only 9% of the farmers reported the occurrence of new cases, and 70% informed the acquisition of new birds after vaccination. The information reported in this paper can be useful to design strategic plans to control fowlpox in backyard chickens.