Management of a novel strain of Riemerella Anatipestifer isolated from mandarin ducks (Aix Galericulata) in Australia

Abstract

Six clinically healthy, adult, captive‐reared mandarin ducks from a commercial mixed age, mixed species bird breeder grew positive cultures of Riemerella anatipestifer from pharyngeal swabs during admission into a zoological collection. Treatment with tetracycline 5 g/kg in feed for 14 days resulted in negative pharyngeal swabs at 30 and 100 days post‐treatment. R. anatipestifer has not previously been reported in mandarin ducks in Australia. The present detection suggests that commercially sourced mandarin ducks in Australia should be screened for R. anatipestifer prior to co‐housing with naïve Anseriformes.