Fowl Cholera

Fowl Cholera is a widespread infectious disease affecting various bird species, including chickens, turkeys, pheasants, pigeons, waterfowl, sparrows, and other free-flying birds. The primary causative agent is Pasteurella multocida, and the disease poses a significant threat to poultry production, especially in turkeys.

Causes of Fowl Cholera

1. Causative Organism: Pasteurella multocida is the bacterial agent responsible for Fowl Cholera.
2. Survival in the Environment: The organism can persist for at least one month in droppings, three months in decaying carcasses, and two to three months in soil.
3. Modes of Transmission:
   • Body excreta of diseased birds contaminating soil, water, and feed.
   • Carcasses of birds that succumbed to the disease.
   • Contaminated water supplies, including surface tanks, ponds, lakes, and streams.
   • Mechanical transmission through contaminated shoes or equipment.

Clinical Signs of Fowl Cholera

1. Host Range: Fowl Cholera affects a broad range of birds, including chickens and turkeys.
2. Age Susceptibility: Rare in chickens under four months, but common in turkeys under this age.
3. Symptoms:
   • Peracute Form: Lack of visible symptoms.
   • Acute Form: Stupor, loss of appetite, rapid weight loss, lameness, swollen wattles, difficult breathing, watery diarrhea, and cyanosis.
4. Lesions: Pinpoint hemorrhages, inflammation of the small intestine, liver abnormalities, enlarged spleen, joint infections, and respiratory issues in turkeys.

Treatment of Fowl Cholera

1. Diagnosis:

   • Tentative diagnosis based on flock history, symptoms, and postmortem lesions.
   • Definite diagnosis requires the isolation and identification of the Pasteurella multocida organism.

2. Prevention:

   • Properly administered bacterins, especially in turkeys, combined with rigorous sanitation practices.
   • Bacterin use should align with manufacturer recommendations.
   • Vaccination in conjunction with treatment is not advised.
3. Sanitation Practices:
   • Complete depopulation annually with breaks between older birds and replacements.
   • Rodent control program implementation.
   • Proper disposal of dead birds.
   • Provision of safe, sanitary water.
   • Thorough cleaning and disinfection of houses and equipment.
   • Confinement of birds, preventing contact with wild feral birds and animals.
   • Vacating contaminated ranges or yards for at least three months.

Additional Considerations

• Drugs, including sulfa drugs and broad-spectrum antibiotics like Penicillin, can alter the course of the outbreak.
• Prolonged treatment may be necessary to prevent recurrence and manage carriers.

Disclaimer: Always consult with a qualified veterinarian for precise diagnosis and tailored treatment plans.