Enterokokowa choroba zwyrodnieniowa stawów kręgosłupa u kur

Enterococci (faecal streptococci, so-called „fecal strep”) are common in many species of animals and in the environment. They are part of the physiological (saprophytic), intestinal flora of mammals and birds (described, among others, in chickens, pigeons, ducks and canaries). A new threat to poultry in countries with intensive poultry production is now Enterococcus cecorum. Recently this species has been shown to be the etiologic agent of enterococcal vertebral osteoarthritis in chickens. The most typical sites where these bacteria proliferate are the thoracic spine (especially vertebrae Th4 and Th6), hip joints and ankles. It is not known precisely what mechanisms influence the affinity of E. cecorum to these sites and how these bacteria invade them. Many issues concerning the significance of E. cecorum in poultry pathology have not been explored. More research is needed on the pathogenesis of this interesting pathogen infection to develop effective methods of prevention and therapy.