Pullorum

Pullorum disease is a highly contagious bacterial disease affecting primarily chickens and turkeys, but most domestic and wild fowl can be infected. It is characterized by high mortality in young birds and can significantly impact poultry production.

Cause of Pullorum disease

The disease is caused by the bacterium Salmonella pullorum, which can be transmitted through several ways:

• Egg-borne transmission: The most common pathway. Infected hens pass the bacteria through their ovaries to the yolks of their eggs, infecting chicks before they even hatch.
• Direct contact: Chicks can become infected through contact with contaminated droppings, litter, or equipment.
• Carrier birds: Healthy birds can shed the bacteria without showing symptoms, serving as reservoirs for the disease.
• Contaminated environment: The bacteria can survive in the environment for months, especially in warm and humid conditions.

Symptoms of Pullorum disease in Poultry

• Young birds:
  • High mortality: Chicks may die within days of hatching without showing any symptoms.
  • Droopiness: Chicks appear lethargic and weak.
  • Ruffled feathers: Chicks may appear poorly groomed and fluffed up.
  • Chilled appearance: Chicks may huddle together near heat sources to conserve body heat.
  • Labored breathing: Chicks may struggle to breathe due to internal infection.
  • White diarrhea: A characteristic symptom is pasty white diarrhea that sticks to the chick’s vent.
• Mature birds:
  • Decreased egg production: Hens may lay fewer eggs or eggs with thin shells.
  • Poor hatchability: Fertility and hatching success may be reduced.
  • Weight loss: Infected birds may lose weight and appear emaciated.
  • Loss of appetite: Birds may eat less than usual.

Please note that while these symptoms are commonly seen in young birds, adult birds infected with Pullorum disease may not always show them.

Diagnosis:

• Young birds:
  • Laboratory isolation of Salmonella pullorum from internal organs.
• Mature birds:
  • Blood tests: May indicate an infection, but confirmation requires bacterial isolation.

Prevention:

• Eradication: Complete eradication of the disease is crucial, focusing on testing and using only pullorum-free breeding flocks.
• Biosecurity: Implementing strict hygiene and sanitation practices to prevent transmission between birds and environments.
• Vaccination: Limited effectiveness in adult birds, but research on poultry vaccines for Pullorum disease is ongoing.

Treatment:

• Limited effectiveness: Treatment mainly focuses on preventing further spread within the flock and minimizing losses.
• Antibiotics: Furazolidone, gentamycin sulfate, and sulfa drugs can be used with limited success.
• Culling: Infected birds should be culled to prevent further transmission.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as veterinary advice. Always consult with a qualified veterinarian for the diagnosis and treatment of poultry diseases.

Additional Resources:

• National Poultry Improvement Plan: https://www.poultryimprovement.org/cleanStates.cfm
• MSD Veterinary Manual: https://www.msdvetmanual.com/poultry/salmonelloses/pullorum-disease-in-poultry
• University of Georgia Poultry Extension: https://www.merckvetmanual.com/poultry/salmonelloses/pullorum-disease-in-poultry
• National Institue of Health (gov): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov