CASE STUDY; ISOLATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF BACTERIAL PATHOGENS CAUSING EMBRYONIC AND BABY OSTRICH MORTALITY IN AN EGYPTIAN FARM DURING 2024

Ostriches are raised in several farms for their premium meat, which is higher in protein, lower in fat, and lower in cholesterol than other meats. Embryonic death greatly affects the hatchability rates, presenting significant challenges for the ostrich industry and leading to considerable economic losses. This study was conducted on an ostrich farm experiencing issues related to embryonic and young ostrich mortality. Furthermore, various signs were observed in the surviving baby ostriches. Various samples were collected and promptly transferred to the Central Laboratory for the Evaluation of Veterinary Biologics (CLEVB) under sterile conditions for the isolation and identification of the causative agent. The results of bacteriological isolation, which confirmed with biochemical and molecular examination, showed the presence of numerous bacterial species. Identified bacterial profile included E. coli, Salmonella, Citrobacter freundii, Proteus mirabilis and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. Testing for antibiotic sensitivity was performed on the identified bacteria using the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) test, showed frequent resistance to cefoxitin, Ampicillin, Trimethoprim, Levofloxacin, Cefotaxime, and Ciprofloxacin, whereas Cefepime, Piperacillin, and Meropenem demonstrated the highest in-vitro antimicrobial activity against the recovered isolates. For effective microbial management in the farm and hatchery, strict implementation of a rigorous disinfection program covering hatchery equipment, egg handling procedures, and environmental sanitation including proper cleaning and disinfection is essential.