Diagnostic Exercise: High Mortality in a Flock of Chukar Partridge Chicks (Alectoris chukar) in California. (January 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Eckstrand, C. D.; Woods, L. W.; Diab, S. S.; Crossley, B. M.; Giannitti, F.
• Is Part Of: Veterinary pathology. Volume 52:Number 1(2015:Jan.)
• Page Start: 189
• Page End: 192
• Publication Date: 2015-01
• Subjects: Alectoris chukar -- avian pathology -- Galliformes -- infectious diseases -- Salmonella Typhimurium -- West Nile virus -- zoonoses; Veterinary pathology -- Periodicals; Pathology, Veterinary -- Periodicals; 636.089607
• DOI: 10.1177/0300985814529311
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0300-9858

Abstract

Mortality of 20% of a flock of 1000 chukar partridge chicks occurred over a 6-week period in Northern California from August to September 2012. Affected birds were 2 to 42 days old and died without premonitory clinical signs or after showing ruffled feathers and anorexia for 24 to 72 hours. Three carcasses were submitted for necropsy, 2 birds had hemorrhagic tracheitis grossly, and all 3 had lymphoplasmacytic and histiocytic myocarditis with myocardial necrosis microscopically. The differential diagnoses and the diagnostic workup to achieve a final diagnosis are discussed. The detection of 2 zoonotic agents in these birds makes this an interesting case from a public health perspective.