Bacteriology
There are many bacteria which can act as significant pathogens in poultry species either as primary infections or as secondary opportunistic infections. It is critical that such organisms are identified. If there are disease problems in flocks it is normal procedure to submit a number of birds for post mortem examination.
Once these specimens have been examined in the pathology suite various swabs and organs are removed from the birds and subjected to microbiological testing. These bacteria are cultured and then subjected to antibiotic sensitivity testing so that it is possible to say which types of antibiotics may be suitable for treating a specific bacterial infection should the need arise. Please see some examples of some bacterial species which are isolated on a regular basis in the Crowshall Veterinary Laboratory.
In addition to routine cultural methods, Total Viable Count (TVC) testing is also undertaken by the laboratory. Such a test can be undertaken to measure the amount of bacteria on a given surface area or within a volume of fluid. Once determined such data can be used as an indicator of the degree of bacterial contamination or be used following cleansing and disinfection to assess the effectiveness of such action. Selective testing techniques for bacteria such as Pseudomonas, E.coli and coliforms can also be undertaken.
If you would like to download/print a copy of a TVC submission form then please click here.