Class 8
Page 1: Introduction
Overview of avian diseases focused on turkey pathology for veterinary medicine students (2024/2025).
Page 2: Anatomy of Turkeys
Tail Feathers (Rectrices): 18 in total. Gobblers may lose some due to fighting.
Ear Opening: Functions as a flap to funnel sounds; remarkable hearing abilities.
Crown: Predominantly white in spring, can have a reddish tint.
Eyes: Located on the sides of the head, providing monocular vision and a 360-degree field of vision.
Tail Coverts: Color varies by subspecies.
Snood: Long and prominent in mature gobblers; function is unknown.
Major Caruncles: Provide insulation and shed water; enhance appearance during strutting.
Breast Feathers: Black-tipped giving a coal-black appearance.
Beard: Length increases with age; indicators for age classification.
Spurs: Vary by age with black, red, or blond tints; indicators of maturity.
Differences between Hens and Gobblers: Gobblers typically larger with distinct characteristics.
Page 3: Viral & Bacterial Diseases in Turkeys
List of viral diseases affecting turkeys:
Turkey Rhinotracheitis (TRT)
Spiking Mortality Syndrome
Mycoplasmosis
Avian Pox
Newcastle Disease (ND)
List of bacterial diseases:
Pasteurellosis
Chlamydiosis
Colibacillosis
Page 4: Metabolic and Parasitic Diseases
Metabolic Diseases:
Histomonosis
Aortic rupture
Coccidiosis
Gout
Parasitic Diseases:
Heterakidosis
Roundworm
Perosis
Page 5: Overview of Viral Diseases
Focus on viral infections impacting turkeys.
Page 6: Turkey Rhinotracheitis (TRT)
Caused by Metapneumovirus; also known as avian pneumovirus infection.
Clinical Signs: Weight loss, sneezing, discharge, depression. Sudden production drop lasts 2-3 weeks.
Post Mortem Lesions: Often exhibit rhinitis and tracheitis, potential pneumonia with E. coli.
Diagnosis: Via clinical signs and series of tests.
Treatment and Prevention: Limited efficacy of antibiotics; focus on biosecurity measures.
Page 7: TRT Continued
Emphasizes the importance of diagnostic measures and vaccination protocols in disease management.
Page 8: Poult Enteritis and Mortality Syndrome (PEMS)
Identified in Southeastern USA; leads to high mortality in young turkeys.
Clinical Signs: Changes in behavior, severe watery droppings, and weight loss.
Page 9: PEMS Continued
Post-mortem lesions: Evidence of dehydration, emaciation.
Diagnosis and Prevention: Strong focus on biosecurity practices.
Page 10: Malabsorption Syndrome, Runting/Stunting
Linked with various viruses; emergence of stunting and diarrhea in affected flocks.
Clinical Signs: Growth issues, abnormal feathering, and severe diarrhea.
Page 11: Malabsorption Syndrome Continued
Post-mortem lesions: Enteritis and pancreatic atrophy.
Prevention: Strong emphasis on hygiene and nutrition.
Page 12: Fowl Pox (Avian Pox)
Highly contagious viral disease affecting multiple bird species; signs include skin lesions.
Transmission: Through abrasions or respiratory routes; long-lasting environmental viability.
Page 13: Fowl Pox Continued
Treatment: Focus on vaccination to prevent impacts on population health.
Page 14: Haemorrhagic Enteritis (HE)
Caused by Adenovirus; significant morbidity and mortality within flocks.
Clinical Signs: Sudden deaths and gastrointestinal distress.
Page 15: HE Continued
Post-mortem lesions: Involvement of spleen and intestine; key diagnostic markers outlined.
Page 16: Transmissible Enteritis, Bluecomb
Chronic and rapid infection leading to high morbidity rates; notable symptoms include anorexia and frothy diarrhea.
Page 17: Treatment for Transmissible Enteritis
Emphasis on hygiene and management practices to mitigate spread and relieve symptoms.
Page 18: Astrovirus Infection
Detected in incidentally observed cases; contributes to gut health concerns in poults.
Page 19: Astrovirus Infection Continued
Detailed clinical signs; emphasis on rapid identification and supportive treatment.
Page 20: Rotavirus Infection
Primarily affects several avian species; oral transmission noted. Main symptoms include diarrhea.
Page 21: Overview of Bacterial Diseases
Focus on the chronic respiratory disease linked to Mycoplasma gallisepticum.
Page 22: Mycoplasma gallisepticum Infection, Clinical Presentation
Alarming factors include respiratory distress and growth retardation.
Page 23: Diagnosis & Antibiotic Treatment for Mycoplasma Infection
Importance of serological testing; focus on biosecurity measures to minimize spread.
Page 24: Fowl Cholera (Pasteurellosis)
Highly contagious; can cause devastating mortality rates within affected populations.
Page 25: Clinical Signs of Fowl Cholera
Outward signs of illness as well as key lesions noted during post-mortem examinations.
Page 26: Parasitic Diseases Overview
Focus on Histamonas melagridis and associated clinical presentations; significant threat in turkey production.
Page 27: Histamonosis & its Impacts
The propagation of this disease dramatically affects both health metrics and economic factors in poultry production.
Page 28: Coccidiosis in Turkeys
Refers to infection with Eimeria spp.; most often monitored in turkey growers through preventative medication.
Page 29: Post-Mortem Findings in Coccidiosis
Key pathological changes noted; heavy influence of treatment protocols emphasized.
Page 30: Dissecting Aneurism (Turkey Heart Attack)
A genetic condition linked to sudden deaths in turkeys; symptoms of collapse noted.
Page 31: Diagnosis and Prevention of Dissecting Aneurism
Current understanding of management strategies targeted at minimizing risk factors.
Page 32: Oregon Disease - Deep Pectoral Myopathy
Clinical signs often undetectable until slaughter; prevention is focused on injury prevention in turkeys.
Page 33: Vaccination Schedules for Turkey Breeder Flocks
Age-specific vaccination protocols noted for effective prevention and management of avian diseases.
Page 34: Vaccination Schedules for Turkey Broiler Flocks
Additional age-specific schedules tailored to optimize health in broiler populations.