This is a highly contagious bacterial disease of chickens, turkeys, and water fowl.
Fowl cholera is caused by the bacterium Pasteurella multocida.
Turkeys are more susceptible than chickens and older chickens are more susceptible than younger chicks.
Mortality from the disease can reach 100% causing septicaemia and possible localised infection.
The organism can be spread through nasal exudate, faeces, contaminated soil, equipment, and people. The route of infection is usually via oral or nasal route.
Reservoirs of infection may be present in other species such as rodents and cats.
The organism may persist in soil for a long time . High stocking density may be a predisposing factor.
Transmission is often from bird to bird.
Clinical Signs
The animal appears depressed with loss of appetite.
Ruffled feathers.
Diarrhoea, Coughing and laboured breathing.
Discharges from nose and eyes.
Swollen face and wattles which may become bluish.
Swollen joints and Lameness.
Animals may die suddenly.
Treatment
The organism is sensitive to Sulphonamides, tetracyclines, erythromycin, streptomycin, and penicillin.
There maybe a recurrence after treatment.
Recovered birds usually become carriers.
Prevention is through good biosecurity involving an effective rodent control and vaccination. Also read about farm biosecurity http://farmgrid.org/farm-biosecurity
