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What are the pathogenic characteristics of duck infectious serositis?

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Duck infectious serositis, also known as Riemerella anatipestifer disease, formerly called Pasteurella anatipestifer disease, can infect ducks of all breeds, sexes, and ages, mainly affecting ducklings 2 to 3 weeks old, with morbidity often reaching over 90% and mortality ranging from 5% to 75%. This disease often occurs as a mixed or concurrent infection with duck colibacillosis. It is characterized by fibrinous pericarditis, perihepatitis, airsacculitis, peritonitis, etc. 1. Pathogen The pathogen of this disease, Riemerella anatipestifer, is a Gram-negative small bacillus, non-spore-forming, non-motile

Duck infectious serositis, also known as Riemerella anatipestifer disease, formerly called Pasteurella anatipestifer disease, can infect ducks of all breeds, sexes, and ages, mainly affecting ducklings 2 to 3 weeks old, with morbidity often reaching over 90% and mortality ranging from 5% to 75%. This disease often occurs as a mixed or concurrent infection with duck colibacillosis. It is characterized by fibrinous pericarditis, perihepatitis, airsacculitis, peritonitis, etc.

1. Pathogen

The pathogen of this disease, Riemerella anatipestifer, is a Gram-negative small bacillus, non-spore-forming, non-motile, with most bacteria showing bipolar staining. The serotypes of this bacterium are complex; 21 serotypes have been reported internationally, with no cross-protective reaction between them, which makes prevention and control of this disease difficult. Riemerella anatipestifer cannot grow on ordinary agar or MacConkey medium; colonies grown on blood agar plate medium appear dewdrop-shaped and do not hemolyze.

2. Epidemiology

This disease has no obvious seasonality and can occur throughout the year, with a higher incidence in spring and winter. It is mainly transmitted through the respiratory tract or skin wounds. Excessive stocking density of ducks in brooding houses, poor air circulation, damp floors, poor sanitary conditions, extensive feeding management, too low protein levels in feed, and deficiency of vitamins and trace elements are all predisposing factors for the occurrence and spread of this disease. Air contaminated by the bacteria is an important route of transmission. The issue of transmission through hatching eggs remains uncertain.

The disease often occurs as an acute outbreak and epidemic, with sudden onset and rapid spread. This disease currently accounts for about 35% to 45% of the three major bacterial diseases of ducklings (colibacillosis, salmonellosis, and Riemerella anatipestifer disease), and it is prone to secondary infection by other diseases, leading to serious consequences.

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