Pasteurellosis is a condition affecting chickens. Pasteurellosis (fowl cholera) is acute, rapidly fatal, and highly contagious. Mortality can reach 50-100% in affected flocks. Treatment must begin immediately. This comprehensive guide covers symptoms, causes, treatment, and prevention.
What It Looks Like
Look for these signs in affected birds:
Whole body: Bird dies rapidly with minimal prior warning, sometimes overnight; can wipe out flock section in 24 hours
General condition: Bird becomes very sick very quickly; shows severe depression and ruffled feathers
Head and wattles: Face and wattles become swollen, blue, or darkened; edema (puffiness) visible around face
Intestinal tract (visible in droppings): Droppings are bright green, yellow, or contain blood
Legs and joints: Bird cannot stand or walk; joints appear swollen and painful
Nostrils and eyes: Discharge from nose and eyes; may be clear, foamy, or purulent
Likely Causes
- Infection with Pasteurella multocida bacteria
- Transmitted through respiratory droplets and contaminated water/feed
- Stress, overcrowding, and poor ventilation trigger disease
- Secondary to other diseases (coccidiosis, respiratory infections)
- Older birds more susceptible than younger birds
- Wild birds and rodents may serve as infection sources
About This Condition
Body System Affected: Systemic infection (septicemia) affecting blood, organs, and tissues
Severity Level: serious
Contagious: Yes, spreads between birds
Affected Age Groups: chicks, pullets, hens, roosters
What to Do
Immediate antibiotic treatment is critical. Use broad-spectrum antibiotics (enrofloxacin, doxycycline, or trimethoprim-sulfa) as directed by a veterinarian. Provide supportive care: electrolyte water, soft food, warmth. Isolate affected birds immediately. Begin flock-wide treatment to prevent spread. Antibiotic withdrawal periods must be observed before consuming eggs/meat.
When to See a Vet
See a vet immediately if you notice sudden onset of high mortality, swollen face/wattles, or depression in multiple birds. Pasteurellosis is reportable; veterinary the cause is required.
Prevention
Maintain strict biosecurity: quarantine new birds for 3-4 weeks, avoid contact with wild birds and rodents. Provide clean housing, excellent ventilation, and uncontaminated feed/water. Remove dead birds promptly. Control stress through proper stocking density and management. Vaccination is available in some regions; consult your veterinarian.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is fowl cholera the same as avian cholera?
Yes; ‘fowl cholera’ and ‘avian cholera’ both refer to Pasteurella multocida infection in poultry. The disease is called pasteurellosis.
Q2: Can pasteurellosis be prevented with vaccination?
Vaccines exist but are not universally available for backyard flocks. Check with your veterinarian. Biosecurity and stress reduction are primary prevention tools.
Q3: How quickly does pasteurellosis kill?
Birds can die within 24-48 hours of infection. In chronic form, birds may survive longer but still face high mortality. Acute form is the most common and devastating.