Avian tuberculosis is Contagious disease of poultry caused by Mycobacterium avium and characterized by long course, persistence in flock when once established, produce emaciation, decreased egg production and death.
- Mortality over a short period may not important, but loss of adult birds from time to time culling of poor quality birds, and drop in production can cause serious economic loss.
- Occur throughout world. Occurrence mainly due to keeping the flocks older than the first laying period.
- Under conditions where cleanliness and hygiene in management are not properly followed.
- In past widely prevalent in India but now rare because improved practice.
- Young chicks are less susceptible.
- Older birds are more susceptible.
- Most important source of organism is the infected chicken.
- A large no organisms are discharged from the ulcerated lesions in the intestine.
- This passed in faeces, creating a constant source of infection.
- Contaminated equipments, pens, and pasture.
- Contaminated hand, feet and clothing of attendants.
- Contaminated environment containing soil and litter loaded with bacteria.
- Offal from the infected chickens.
- Wild bird and pigeon infected with M. avium.
- Egg is of minor important in spread of avian tuberculosis.
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