⚠️ Pasteurellosis (Fowl Cholera): Transmission, Prevention & What You Need to Know

One of the most serious bacterial diseases in poultry - let’s understand how it spreads and how to protect your flock!

What is Pasteurellosis?

A highly contagious bacterial disease caused by Pasteurella multocida. Also called “fowl cholera.” Can cause sudden death or chronic illness.

Two Forms of Disease:

ACUTE (Sudden)

🐔Sudden death with NO prior symptoms

🐔High fever, purple/darkened comb and wattles

🐔Greenish-yellow diarrhea

🐔Rapid spread through flock

🐔High mortality (up to 100% in unvaccinated flocks!)

CHRONIC (Long-term)

🐓Swollen wattles, joints, footpads

🐓Twisted neck (torticollis)

🐓Respiratory signs (nasal discharge, difficulty breathing)

🐓Weight loss, decreased egg production

🐓Birds become carriers even after recovery

How It Spreads:

Direct Contact:

💦Contaminated feed/water

💦Droppings from infected birds

💦Nasal/oral secretions

Indirect Contact:

🦆Wild birds (major reservoir!)

🐀Rodents and predators

🥾Contaminated equipment, boots, clothing

💦Can survive in soil/water for months

High-Risk Factors:

⚠️Free-ranging near wild waterfowl

⚠️Poor rodent control

⚠️Inadequate biosecurity

⚠️Stress (weather changes, overcrowding)

⚠️Presence of other diseases

Prevention Strategies:

BIOSECURITY (Critical!)

✓ Control wild bird access to feed/water

✓ Aggressive rodent control program

✓ Quarantine new birds (30 days)

✓ Don’t share equipment between flocks

✓ Clean boots between coops

MANAGEMENT

✓ Reduce stress

✓ Good ventilation

✓ Remove carcasses immediately (bacteria spreads from dead birds!)

✓ Proper disposal - don’t compost correctly!

Treatment:

Antibiotics can control outbreaks but survivors remain carriers. Culling infected birds often recommended to prevent chronic issues.

Critical: Once established, very difficult to eliminate from property!

Your turn:

❓Do you keep wildlife away from your poultry feed and waters? If so, how? 🦆

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