Streptococcosis

Streptococcosis in poultry is caused by ubiquitous Gram-positive Streptococcus gallolyticus and S. zooepidemicus. Numerous bird species worldwide have been reported to be affected by streptococci. There are two forms of the disease: an acute septicaemic form and a chronic form. Septicaemia caused by S. gallolyticus subsp. gallolyticus is characterised by an enlarged and mottled spleen, primarily observed in pigeons and turkey poults. S. gallolyticus causes meningitis, sepsis and endocarditis in turkeys, goslings and ducks. Diagnosis is based on the isolation of the organism via culture on blood agar and/or identification using PCR. Early acute infections have been successfully treated with penicillins, cephalosporins, chloramphenicol, imipenem and tylosin. Unfortunately, certain strains may become resistant to these antimicrobial treatments. Therefore, an antimicrobial sensitivity test is recommended before starting the treatment.