New duck disease, Infectious serositis, Pasteurella anatipestifer infection
3. Introduction
Infection with Riemerella (Pasteurella) anatipestifer is a contagious, widely distributed disease that primarily affects young ducks and turkeys. Other waterfowl, chickens, and pheasants also may be affected. The epidemiology and pathogenesis are not understood. Ducks are believed to be infected by the respiratory route or when R. anatipestifer is introduced into toenail scratches of the webbed foot. Turkeys may be infected by injuries or by the respiratory route when another pathogen disrupts the respiratory epithelium (Merck Vet Manual: Riemerella anatipestifer).
