Listeriosis Reported in Partridges
UK - An unusual case of listeriosis in partridge chicks has been reported in the Non-Statutory Zoonoses Quarterly Report for the period April to June 2011.Increased mortality and cull rate was observed in immature (eight to 28 days of age) red-legged partridges.
Multiple birds developed neurological signs of in-coordination and head tilt, and had difficulty feeding and drinking.
Post-mortem examination of birds showing typical clinical signs identified histopathological lesions consistent with listerial encephalitis and Listeria monocytogenes was cultured from the brain tissue.
This presentation of listeriosis in poultry was considered unusual, both in terms of the number of birds affected and also as the presentation was one of encephalitis rather than septicaemia. Although not yet confirmed, it was considered possible that the hatchery was the source of infection.
Further Reading
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