Case report of colibacillosis in a 33-week-old layer flock

Abstract

This case report is that of colibacillosis infection in a 33-week-old layer flock. The flock had 6,200 laying Isa brown pullets. The primary complaint was reduced feed intake, a drop in egg production (from 78% to 51%), whitish-green watery faeces, persistent mortality and poor quality of eggs. The birds were vaccinated 2 weeks before farm visit and were previously treated with Amoxycol(R) and liver tonic by the farmer. Physical examination revealed sneezing, nasal discharge, somnolence, perineum matted with whitish-green faeces and lethargy. Post mortem examination revealed pneumonic and edematous lungs, slightly enlarged friable liver with necrotic pallor, perihepatitis and mucoid enteritis. Culture of the samples collected showed that the isolate was Escherichia coli while the Antimicrobial Sensitivity Test results from collected blood and liver samples showed that the isolate was sensitive to Gentamycin, Enrofloxacin, and Doxygen(R) but resistant to Furaltadone, Tylosin tartrate and Amoxycol(R). The flock was placed on Doxygen® at 100g per 400 liters of drinking water for 5 consecutive days. The farmer was advised to maintain strict biosecurity measures within the farm premises and to include Isochlor® in the drinking water of the flock.