| Abstract: |
Poultry, particularly chicken, is considered as an importantsource of animal-derived protein. The increasing competition in meatmarkets gives rise to the necessity of more and more efficient andcompetitive production. In this regard, production rates arefundamentally controlled by the sanitary aspects of the breeding stockThe association of Escherichia coli strains with diseaseconditions in avian species was recognized over a century ago, butthese strains were never accorded a special status. Escherichia coli,which is part of the normal microbiota of birds in intestinal andrespiratory tracts, was considered as a potential pathogen. Lesions inwhich E. coli is the primary and often the secondary agent causeeconomic damage due to lower corporal development, insufficientfeed conversion, increasing mortality, higher cost with medicine, andcondemnation of carcasses.Today, E. coli strains causing systemic disease in poultry(avian colibacillosis) is termed avian pathogenic E. coli (APEC).Colibacillosis is a disease of economic significance to all poultryproducers and is characterized by a diverse array of lesions. APECstrains fall under the category of extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli,which are characterized by the possession of virulence factors thatenable them to live extraintestinallife.The aim of this study was to screen the epidemiologicalsurveillance of APEC from various avian species distributed inSharkia govemorate, Egypt including chicken, duck, turkey, pigeon,quail and ibis using the traditional diagnostic tools includingbacteriological, biochemical and serological examinations.
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