Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale (ORT) causes significant economic losses to the poultry industry around the world. The bacterium often affects poultry as part of multiple infections causing very serious clinical signs that are usually not limited only to the respiratory system. This study’s main objective was the retrospective detection and identification of ORT in turkey flocks.

Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale (ORT) causes significant economic losses to the poultry industry around the world. The bacterium often affects poultry as part of multiple infections causing very serious clinical signs that are usually not limited only to the respiratory system. This study’s main objective was the retrospective detection and identification of ORT in turkey flocks. ORT identification was performed in 6,225 samples taken from 133 different flocks between 2015 and 2020. Molecular methods were used, specifically real-time PCR and traditional PCR. We focused on partial 16S rRNA gene sequences of isolates, which were compared with sequences obtained from GenBank. The reaction products were analysed phylogenetically. Molecular methods indicating secondary infections was carried out, and the bacterial composition of the upper respiratory tract was 16S metasequenced for selected flocks to identify any other pathogens. The presence of ORT was detected in 30.83% of samples by real-time PCR and 28.57% by PCR. Phylogenetic analysis of the PCR products from the turkeys samples showed that their sequences resolved into two main genetic groups. Tests for the occurrence of secondary infections showed the presence of Mycoplasma gallisepticum and M. synoviae in some samples but the total absence of Bordetella avium. The upper respiratory tract in turkeys was dominated by two major phyla Firmicutes and Proteobacteria. At the genus level, the genera Ornithobacterium, Mycoplasma, Gallibacterium, Avibacterium, and Escherichia-Shigella were found which may include pathogenic bacteria that can cause clinical symptoms. The results of the analysis of multiple infection carried out in flocks with respiratory signs are probably associated with outbreaks of ornithobacteriosis in turkey flocks in Poland.

Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale (ORT) is a bacterium that causing respiratory problems, growth retardation, high mortality, and drop in egg productions in poultry. The aim of the present investigation was to determine the seroprevalence and potential risk factors associated with the ORT infection in commercial poultry flocks in selected areas of Bangladesh. A total of 1920 serum samples were collected from 270 poultry farms including broiler (n=397), broiler breeder (n=430), layer (n=738), and a local breed namely Sonali (n=355) in Bangladesh were collected during 2017-2018 and the samples were tested for ORT antibodies using indirect Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (iELISA). At individual level, the prevalence of ORT antibodies in examined samples was 39.05% (95% CI: 36.87-41.29) and at farm level, it was 50.74% (95% CI: 44.61-56.85). In multivariate Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) analysis, sampling area, farm category, types of chicken biosecurity condition and types of drinker used were identified as positively correlated with potential risk factors (p<0.05) for the seroprevalence of ORT in poultry farms. Therefore, it could be concluded that ORT is prevalent among commercial poultry of Bangladesh. Proper biosecurity measures at farm level and vaccination of birds against the ORT are highly recommended.