Fowl cholera is an infectious disease caused by bacteria in birds, including chickens, and has been associated with migrating birds. An outbreak of fowl cholera most often occurs during winter months, as a result of prolonged exposure to damp and cold conditions.
Transmission of this disease is believed to occur through ingestion of the Pasteurella multcodia organism, either in contaminated food or water supply. An outbreak can occur suddenly, and is often undetected until several chickens fall ill and die quickly. This infectious disease can spread quickly from sick chickens to healthy ones.
Chickens infected with fowl cholera may exhibit symptoms including: convulsions, fever, shaking and shivering, sneezing, runny nasal fluid and yellow-colored diarrhea, swollen bellies, weight loss and listlessness.
Fowl cholera outbreaks often result in losses, and initially separating sick birds from healthy one is the top priority. Chlortetracycline, oxytetracycline and sulfaquinoxaline may be added to feed or water for treatment of the remaining flock. All chicken carcasses should be burned to prevent additional outbreaks in other birds and animal species from occurring.
Signs:
– Reduced feed consumption.
– Mucoid discharge from the mouth.
– Ruffled feathers.
– Diarrhea.
– Labored breathing.
– Loss of weight.
– Swelling of wattles and swollen joints and foot pads.
– Yellow-brown pus accumulated in a swollen wattle
Transmission:
– Flock additions
– Infected premises.
Fowl Cholera Treatment:
– Use anti-biotics (OTC plus)
Prevention:
– Biosecurity
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Recovery:
– Ensure strict and comprehensive biosecurity
– Practice good khola hygiene