Background/Objectives: The widespread use of antibiotics in animal husbandry has led to an increase in antimicrobial-resistant Escherichia coli, particularly strains producing extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL) and AmpC β-lactamases. This study aimed to isolate and characterize such strains from fecal samples of broiler chickens (n = 71) and slaughtered turkeys (n = 31) in northwestern Romania. Methods: Antimicrobial susceptibility testing and PCR were used to evaluate phenotypic resistance patterns and detect the presence of resistance genes (AmpC, blaZ, and blaTEM). Results: The results showed that 55% of turkey and 61% of broiler isolates were presumptive ESBL/AmpC producers. Among all isolates, 50% were classified as extensively drug-resistant (XDR), 44% as multidrug-resistant (MDR), and only 6% were fully susceptible. Gene detection revealed an overall prevalence of 44.2% for AmpC, 72.7% for blaZ, and 58.1% for blaTEM, yielding a total penetrance of 51.09%. The diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) values, ranging from 0.67 to 81, suggest the efficacy of the antibiotic susceptibility testing method used in detecting the presence of these resistance genes. Conclusion: Overall, these findings highlight a significant burden of antimicrobial-resistant, poultry-associated E. coli strains, warranting stricter antimicrobial stewardship.

Infections caused by avian orthoreovirus represent an emerging problem with a major impact on the global poultry industry, especially in the intensive rearing of broilers. This article addresses, in a complex manner, the etiology of some clinical syndromes of interest in poultry farming: malabsorption syndrome and arthritis/tenosynovitis syndrome. Data are presented, starting from the development and physiology of the digestive tract in broiler chickens in the post-hatch period, epidemiological data, clinical signs, morphopathological changes in the intestine, and diagnostic methods in orthoreovirus infections. The development of the digestive tract is influenced by factors such as diet, digestive enzymes, intestinal pH, and intestinal microbiome/virome. Avian orthoreoviruses, belonging to the Reoviridae family, are double-stranded RNA viruses with multiple tropism. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the existence of at least six major genotypes, with a heterogeneous geographical distribution and genetic diversity that complicates control measures with vaccination. Characterization of the intestinal virome of broilers highlights many other enteric viruses, in addition to reoviruses, with pathogenic potential in triggering malabsorption syndrome. Thus, we can state that the etiology of malabsorption syndrome is not unitary, with the association of several viruses with intestinal tropism aggravating the clinical signs. The article describes viral identification methods, including classical techniques and advanced next-generation sequencing (NGS) approaches, used to characterize the intestinal virome and emerging pathogens. Finally, for prophylaxis, autogenous vaccines adapted to local circulating strains are recommended. Frequent genetic recombinations and high antigenic variation require continuous monitoring and constant adaptation of immunization schedules to control the disease.

Pathogenic Leptospira spp. causes leptospirosis in animals and humans globally, leading to systemic infections that can impact vital organs in affected animals. The purpose of this study was to evaluate kidney injury and to perform a retrospective analysis of leptospirosis infection in follow-up dog samples. The retrospective study collected epidemiological information obtained through paraclinical exams, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and molecular biology (qPCR) of cases from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine from Timisoara between September 2016 and May 2023. No correlations were found between Leptospira infection and breed (p = 0.714), gender or castration status (p = 0.890), and anatomic pathology exam results (p = 0.608). Significant associations were found in cases with high levels of azotemia (p = 0.000) and immunological status (vaccinated vs. unvaccinated, p = 0.000), with the leptospirosis risk in unvaccinated animals calculated at OR = 85.500 (95%CI, 6.82–1071.26, p = 0.000). Retrospectively, leptospirosis was diagnosed in 27/65 cases (42%) using the IHC method, while the qPCR assay detected 29/65 cases (45%). This study demonstrates that qPCR is a robust and specific method for postmortem diagnosis of Leptospira spp. infection in dogs, offering higher specificity and reliability compared to traditional IHC methods, which showed 94.74% specificity in our study.

The white stork (Ciconia ciconia) is a protected species within the European community. In Romania, associations and rehabilitation centers play a vital role in conserving the species and aiding the recovery of injured or orphaned individuals. This study aims to contribute to a better understanding of the bacterial microbiota associated with this species, particularly in the context of captivity and physiological stress. To achieve this, 44 biological samples were collected from 22 white storks under the care of a wildlife protection association in Sibiu County, and sub-sequently analyzed. The birds originated from various regions of the country and were rescued following incidents such as nest falls, electrocution, abandonment, or poaching. The primary objective of this study was the isolation and identification of pure bacterial strains from the collected samples. Identification was performed using VITEK®2 Compact, resulting in a number of 52 isolated bacterial strains, including seven different species. The findings offer relevant data for understanding the commensal and potentially pathogenic bacterial microbiota of these birds, contributing to the improvement of hygiene, prophylaxis, and treatment measures in wildlife rehabilitation centers. Additionally, due to the mobility and feeding behavior of the white stork, these birds may play a key role in spreading bacterial species with zoonotic potential into the environment, acting as a vector and source of infection for humans. Consequently, this study opens new research opportunities regarding the risks associated with pathogen transmission and the phenomenon of antibiotic resistance observed in this bird species.

Background: Respiratory diseases are among the main causes of morbidity and mortality in captive reptiles. In Romania, pneumonia is a frequently observed illness affecting pet reptiles. Key factors contributing to the high incidence of pneumonia include inadequate animal husbandry, poor nutrition, and insufficient hygiene practices. Bacteria may act as primary pathogens or as facilitators of disease severity. Methods: This study investigates bacterial strains from multiple genera and species (Chryseobacterium (C.) indologenes, Staphylococcus (S.) epidermidis, Escherichia (E.) coli, and Pseudomonas (P.) aeruginoasa) from six ball pythons regarding their antibiotic susceptibility and the effect of essential oils. Bacteria were isolated from the lower respiratory tract, displaying clinical signs of pneumonia. All isolates were tested with essential oils (lemongrass, oregano, rosemary, and sage) and a grapefruit seed extract (GSE) at different dilutions. Results: The incidence of Chryseobacterium indologenes was highest (3 isolates/12 samples, 25%), followed by E. coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis (2/12 each, 16.6%), and Pseudomonas aeruginoasa (1/12, 8.3%). Resistance profiling to different antibiotic classes revealed that all isolates (eight) were resistant to multiple antibiotics tested by us. All isolates were resistant to β-lactams and fluoroquinolones. One strain of E. coli exhibited intermediate resistance to quinolone and penicillin. All strains were categorized as multidrug-resistant. GSE showed antibacterial activity against all isolates. Conclusions: Wanting to deepen our understanding of the microorganisms that can infect ball pythons and recognizing that all isolated bacteria have zoonotic potential, this paper highlights some common issues faced by exotic animal owners and suggests that treatments should also include the use of essential oils.

Escherichia coli is the first bacterium to colonize the gastrointestinal tract, immediately after birth, in both animals and humans, living as a commensal and synthesizing a series of essential substances for the body. In cases of immunodepression, or when the intestinal barrier is overcome, this bacterium can cause a whole series of diseases. In Romania, a major cause of economic losses, in all livestock sectors, is represented by infections with various pathogens, among which E. coli pathotypes occupy an important place, especially in pigs, causing post-weaning diarrhea or neonatal diarrhea. On the other hand, colibacillosis in birds has a worldwide distribution, recording an increased morbidity and mortality in this livestock sector. Also, the increased antibiotic resistance of E. coli strains potentiates the pathogenic effect of these strains. In this context, the main objective of this study, following the isolation and identification of E. coli strains from samples taken from broilers, fattening turkeys, pigs and cattle, was to differentiate between commensal E. coli strains and strains producing extended-spectrum beta lactamases (ESBL)/AmpC-type beta-lactamases.