Enterococcus hirae in septicaemia of psittacine birds
Devriese, L.A.; Cruz Colque, J.I.; Haesebrouck, F.; Desmidt, M.; Uyttebroek, E.; Ducatelle, R.
Veterinary Record 130(25): 558-559
1992
ISSN/ISBN: 0042-4900 PMID: 1496756 Document Number: 393017
Four cases of acute E. hirae septicaemia diagnosed during PM examination of 83 consignments of Psittaciformes are described. The species involved were neophemas (Neophema purchella), nose-ringed parakeets (Psittacula krameri), lutino-type budgerigars (Mellopsittacus undulatus) and a salmon-crested cockatoo (Cacatua moluccensis). In some cases more than one bird was involved but E. hirae was not found in birds belonging to orders other that Psittaciformes and no other enterococci were diagnosed in psittacine birds. Abnormalities revealed at PM examination included swollen livers, spleens and kidneys; oedematous lungs, gastrointestinal inflammation and oophoritis; bacteria and inflammatory changes were seen histologically in many of the affected organs. E. hirae was cultured from a variety of tissues including intestines, liver, lungs and spleen.