DOSE-RESPONSE STUDY OF ENROFLOXACIN AGAINST RIEMERELLA ANATIPESTIFER SEPTICEMIA IN MUSCOVY AND PEKIN DUCKLINGS

The efficacy of enrofloxacin against Riemerella anatipestifer (formerl y Pasteurella anatipestifer) septicaemia of Muscovy and Pekin duckling s was assessed in an artificial challenge model which reproduced typic al duck riemerellosis with very high mortality. Mortality, clinical si gns, gross lesions, microbiological clearance, feed intake and body we ight gain were the efficacy criteria studied. A pulsing medication in drinking water for 4 h at 25, 50 or 100 ppm enrofloxacin on the first day, followed by 12.5, 25 or 50 ppm, respectively, on the following 4 days, provided clinical cure of R. anatipestifer septicaemia at all do sages tested. An optimum dosage of 50 ppm enrofloxacin, followed by 25 ppm was established.