Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections in kori bustards (Ardeotis kori)

Pseudomonas aeruginosa associated upper respiratory tract infections occurr ed in a flock of 19 juvenile kori bustards, Morbidity was 32% and all birds recovered after parenteral treatment with combinations of enrofloxacin, ge ntamicin and piperacillin, although gentamicin toxicity was suspected in on e bird. A marked haemoresponse occurred 3-10 days after the onset of clinic al signs and included leukocytosis, heterophilia, monocytosis and thrombocy tosis. Predisposing factors to infection included recent translocation, cha nges to flock size, extreme temperatures and age.