AVIAN TUBERCULOSIS

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Causative Agent(s)

Mycobacterium avium serovars 1 and 2. Very resistant, can survive in the environment for up to four years and is a zoonotic disease. Slow spreading chronic granulomatous bacterial infection. Transmitted through infective faecal material. Respiratory tract may also be a source of infection.

Clinical Presentation and Epidemiology

Develop late in infection. Gradual weight loss. Birds are thin, sluggish, and may be lame. Feathers are dull and ruffled.

Diagnostic Considerations

Live birds may be tested with avian tuberculin. Can also find large numbers of acid-fast bacteria in smears from lesions.

Management and Treatment

Control is largely by prevention. Treatment is not recommended for fear of producing resistant strains of the bacteria. Affected birds should be slaughtered.

Special precautions should be exercised when dealing with mycobacterium-infected birds because it is zoonotic.