Epidemiological and Bacteriological Investigations Using Whole-Genome Sequencing in a Recurrent Outbreak of Pullorum Disease on a Quail Farm in France

Abstract

An outbreak of pullorum disease causing septicemia and high mortality was diagnosed in 2019 on a quail farm in western France. An initial episode had been detected in another building at the same site eight months earlier. Given the exceptional nature and the extent of the potential economic consequences of pullorum disease, epidemiological and bacteriological investigations using molecular sequencing tools were carried out. Salmonella Gallinarum and Salmonella Infantis were isolated (using the NF U 47-101 reference method) from samples taken from birds at the infected site. A resurgence of the initial episode by horizontal transmission of S. Gallinarum is the most likely hypothesis, supported by whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of the strains isolated during the two episodes. Risk health practices have been identified, including the rearing of animals of different ages and species on the same site. Recurrence is explained by the probable persistence of reservoirs of the pathogen on the site (manure, lesser mealworm beetles). The article also highlights the importance of decontamination measures, including pest control, as a key element in the success of the disease control protocol.