Infectious coryza in a grey crowned crane (Balearica regulorum) recovered from captivity.

We report Avibacterium paragallinarum and Klebsiella pneumoniae coinfection in a grey crowned crane (Balearica regulorum). The crane was recovered from illegal captivity and released at a grey crowned crane (GCC) rehabilitation facility located at Akagera National Park in Rwanda. One year after being transferred, the bird presented with clinical signs suggesting a respiratory disease. Those signs included severe dyspnoea with mouth breathing, sneezing and nasal discharge. The crane was put on a 3‐day treatment with antibiotics (ceftiofur 200 mg/ml at 50 mg/kg intramuscularly) and anti‐inflammatory drug (meloxicam, intramuscular injection at a dose of 2 mg/kg), after which the crane seemed to have recovered. A month later, the same crane presented similar clinical signs and was treated with enrofloxacin at 10 mg/kg intramuscularly. Despite the treatment, the crane died 19 h later. At necropsy, adhesive air sacculitis and hydroperitoneum were observed, and a reddish fluid in air sacs and in the abdominal cavity was found. Also, a marked hepatomegaly and splenomegaly were observed. Samples were collected for laboratory examination. Molecular tests done on the tracheal and cloacal swabs revealed A. paragallinarum and K. pneumoniae, respectively. This is the first case of A. paragallinarum and K. pneumoniae coinfection reported in a grey crowned crane. Our study contributes to knowledge on the ecological distribution of both these pathogens in wild birds. It provides an opportunity to investigate further the clinical significance of infectious coryza in Rwanda's wild and domestic birds. Avibacterium paragallinarum and Klebsiella pneumoniae are the main causes of respiratory infections in domestic bird species. These pathogens are rarely reported in coinfection and never reported in wild birds. While Avibacterium paragallinarum only causes disease in avian species, Klebsiella pneumoniae is zoonotic and causes human infections including pneumonia, bloodstream infections, wound or surgical site infections, and meningitis. Illegal captivity and keeping wildlife as pets could potentially be a source of pathogen spillover events between wildlife, humans, and other livestock species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]