SEPTICEMIA AND AIRSACCULITIS Etiology Pathogenic strains of E. coli, superimposed on primary immunosuppressive and respiratory viral infections.  Occurrence and Economic Significance Septicemia and airsacculitis resulting from E. coli infection are responsible for decreased growth rate and feed conversion efficiency, elevated flock mortality, and downgrading and condemnation of carcasses in processing plants. Infection of commercial laying and breeding stock during the rearing period may adversely affect subsequent performance. Flocks infected with vertically transmitted or acquired mycoplasmosis are extremely susceptible to E. coli airsacculitis. Diets containing aflatoxins or free radicals evolved from peroxidation of lipids will lead to immunosuppression with increased susceptibility to E. coli infection. Transmission E. coli is introduced onto poultry farms through contaminated drinking water. High levels of infection occur following deficiencies in routine decontamination of housing, equipment and watering systems. Immunosuppressive and respiratory viruses which precipitate infection are transmitted by direct and indirect contact especially on multi-age farms or where biosecurity is defective. Clinical Signs Flock morbidity of up to 10% occurs during the 10 - 40 day period accompanied by ascending mortality which may either plateau or decline but usually persists until depletion of the flock. Total losses may attain 50% in immunosuppressed broiler flocks subjected to environmental stress and previous exposure to viral respiratory pathogens and mycoplasmosis. Pathology Acute septicemia is characterized by pulmonary congestion, enlargement of the spleen and liver, and generalized venous congestion. Most birds which die of septicemia show perihepatitis, pericarditis and peritonitis. Bursal atrophy indicating previous exposure to IBD is often observed. Birds surviving acute airsacculitis show stunted growth and develop a caseous exudate in the air sacs often accompanied by peritonitis, resulting in downgrading at processing. Diagnosis Isolation, identification and serotyping of E. coli from heart blood, perivisceral exudate, and liver tissue. Evaluation of the epidemiology of immunosuppressive and respiratory infections by serology and isolation is recommended.  Treatment Mortality can be suppressed by administration of water soluble furazolidone, sulfonamides, and fluoroquinolones. It is necessary to perform antibiograms to ensure that selected drugs are effective. Medication should be administered in accordance with statutory restrictions concerning withdrawal and must comply with the manufacturer's recommendations. Information provided by a handbook by: AMERICAN SOYBEAN ASSOCIATION    ©Copyright 2001 The Gander Gab/Perfect Pets All Rights Reserved       A Bee bg