Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale (ORT) pathogenicity

This project is an extension to a previous project on upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) in free-range layers in Australia. The research resulted in identification of 69 isolates of Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale (ORT), which is an emergent respiratory bacterial pathogen in poultry. The virulence of ORT isolates recently detected in free-range layer flocks across different states will be investigated. The findings will identify if Australian ORT strains can produce significant disease. The research aims to identify whether the Australian poultry industry needs a vaccine for the control of ORT, and formulate recommendations for effective vaccination strategies against ORT.