Riemerella anatipestifer infection in domestic ducks in Japan, 2014

The outbreak of Riemerella anatipestifer (RA) infection has been confirmed in meat-type domestic ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) for the first time in 27 years in Japan. In January 2014, increased mortality in a 14- to 21-day-old duck flock was reported to veterinary officials by the owner. The affected ducks exhibited reduced movement, ataxia and dorsal recumbency with leg paddling. Pathological findings were typical for an RA infection. Fibrinous and heterophilic pericarditis, airsacculitis, perihepatitis, ventriculitis and meningitis were observed. The bacterial isolate from duck organs was identified as RA by PCR-based 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing.