24/01/2026
FOWL CHOLERA OR AVIAN PASTEURELLOSIS ๐๐ฆ๐ ๐๐ฉบ๐
PhotoGuide!!!
Fowl cholera, or avian pasteurellosis, is a highly contagious bacterial disease in birds (chickens, turkeys, waterfowl) caused by Pasteurella multocida, presenting acutely with sudden death or chronic issues like swollen wattles, respiratory issues, or arthritis, controlled by biosecurity, vaccination, and sometimes antibiotics, but is easily spread via contaminated surfaces, f***s, and carriers.
Causes
Bacterium: Pasteurella multocida.
Transmission: Direct bird-to-bird contact, contaminated feed/water, f***s, nasal discharge, equipment, rodents, wild birds, and carrier birds (even asymptomatic ones).
Symptoms
Acute:
Sudden death, loss of appetite, fever, lethargy, increased thirst, bloody diarrhea, respiratory distress (coughing, gasping).
Chronic:
Swollen wattles (pus-filled), swollen joints (arthritis), pneumonia (turkeys), lameness, torticollis (twisted neck), eye/nasal discharge, dullness, ruffled feathers.
Prevention & Control
Biosecurity: Strict hygiene, rodent/pest control, isolating new birds, separating age groups.
Sanitation: Thorough cleaning and disinfection between flocks.
Vaccination: Bacterins or live vaccines (injected or water-administered).
Biosecurity: Good biosecurity practices are crucial for control.
Treatment
Antimicrobials: Sulfa drugs and some antibiotics can treat infections.
Supportive Care: Reducing stress, providing clean water.
Key Facts
Can have mortality rates up to 100% in acute outbreaks.
Often worse in late summer, fall, and winter.
Chronic carriers can maintain the infection in a flock.
Eradication often requires depopulation, cleaning, and disinfection
FINAL FARMER TIP
A good vaccination program works best when combined with proper nutrition, quality feeds, clean water, hygiene, and good farm management. Disease prevention is always cheaper than treatment.