Fowl cholera, or pasteurellosis, is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Pasteurella multocida. The disease can affect both wild and domestic birds and has the potential to cause significant losses in poultry production. The risk of disease may increase during seasonal transitions, when changing environmental conditions place additional stress on the flock.

Clinical Signs of Fowl Cholera

Clinical signs can vary depending on the age of the birds, immune status, bacterial virulence, and environmental conditions.

In acute cases, the disease can cause sudden, high mortality with little or no warning signs. Other symptoms may include ruffled or erect feathers, mucus discharge from the mouth, diarrhea, and difficulty breathing.

In chronic cases, swelling may occur in the wattles, sinuses, or areas around the eyes, as well as in the joints. Birds may also develop twisted necks.

Prevention and Management

Vaccination: Vaccination can stimulate immunity and help reduce the risk and severity of outbreaks.

Biosecurity and Management: Strict hygiene and sanitation, disinfection, an all-in/all-out system, and isolation of sick birds are important measures for disease control. Farms should also restrict access by visitors and outside equipment, provide clean feed and water, and minimize contact with wild birds and rodents. Surviving birds may remain carriers, making preventive measures particularly important.

Antibiotics: Antibiotics should be used carefully and only under the direction of a veterinarian because of the risk of antimicrobial resistance.

Nutrition: Providing a balanced diet along with functional feed additives can offer nutritional support during seasonal transitions. Runeon bile acids may help support digestion and more efficient fat absorption, improve the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, maintain liver health, and help reduce metabolic stress.

Bile acids are also known to play a role in modulating the gut microbiota and immune response, while supporting intestinal structure and antioxidant capacity. Such nutritional support may help improve flock resilience in coping with the challenges associated with seasonal changes.

Prevention Remains the Priority

Because acute fowl cholera can cause high mortality before clinical signs become clearly apparent, prevention must remain the top priority. Vaccination and biosecurity are the foundation of disease control, while appropriate treatment and nutritional support can help birds better cope with disease challenges and stress associated with seasonal changes.