SUMMARY Riemerella anatipestifer is prevalent throughout the world, including Hungary as well. Primarily, it causes disease in young ducklings and goslings, but it may induce heavy losses in turkey flocks too. The authors summarize the literature data on the history of the anatipestifer disease and the characteristics of R. anatipestifer. They describe the epidemiology, the clinical sings and the pathological lesions of anatipestifer disease. Isolation, identification and the methods of classification of R. anatipestifer are also discussed. Finally, they summarize the aspects of treatment and prevention of the disease.