Role of Mannheimia (Pasteurella) haemolytica in Severe Respiratory Tract Infection in Commercial Poultry in Pakistan

Abstract

Mannheimia haemolytica is the causative agent of several economically significant diseases of cattle and sheep, however, its role in causing infection in poultry is limited as secondary pathogen, co-infecting with viral pathogens like infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), infectious laryngotracheitis virus (ILTV) etc. The present study reports first time in this country regarding the isolation of M. haemolytica from adult commercial poultry flocks, initially reported with severe respiratory distress. Necropsy findings were quite similar to those found in Fowl cholera infection. The samples were also processed for the detection of any avian respiratory viruses in addition to testing for bacteria..