Mixed natural Escherichia coli, staphylococcus aureus and streptococcus spp. infections in suspected case of fatty liver haemorrhagic syndrome in commercial laying hens in masaka, Nigeria

Abstract

Ten (10) carcasses from a flock of about 19,000 Isabrown laying chickens from a commercial poultry farm in Masaka, Nasarawa State, Nigeria were presented for post mortem examination following complaints of sudden mortality (0.74%) and drop in egg production (20.0%) on the farm during the hot-dry period of the year, 2017 with high ambient temperature (41.3°C). The pullets (19,000) were reportedly purchased and brought to the farm as point of lay chickens with full vaccination history and were in cage battery system feeding ad libitum. Although most (65%) of the birds looked apparently healthy but the affected birds were dull in appearance with about 35.00% morbidity. On visit to the farm, greenish faecal droppings were seen on the floor while some eggs were soft-shelled, small sized and cracked with some white pigmentation. Congested wattles and combs, prolapsed vents and pale carcasses were evident on gross examination with hepatomegaly, renomegaly and cardiomegaly. The enlarged liver was pale, friable and ruptured. Fibrinous exudation, perivascular oedema and cellular infiltration with microbial clumps were seen in sampled tissues. Microbial cultures yielded Escherichia coli in the liver and heart and Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus spp in the lungs, respectively and were sensitive to Levafloxacin® (+++). There was marked reduction in mortality with marked increase in feed consumption and egg production following Levafloxacin® treatment. In conclusion, mixed natural Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus spp. infections was diagnosed, as the cause of the mortality on the farm that might be triggered by stress occasioned by the prevailing high ambient temperature amongst others such as the high crude protein (16.80%) and energy feed (2680Kcal/kg).