Fowl cholera

Fowl cholera is also called avian cholera, avian pasteurellosis and avian hemorrhagic septicemia.^[1]

It is the most common pasteurellosis of poultry. As the causative agent is Pasteurella multocida, it is considered to be a zoonosis.

Adult birds and old chickens are more susceptible. In parental flocks, cocks are far more susceptible than hens.^[2]

Besides chickens, the disease also concerns turkeys, ducks, geese, raptors, and canaries. Turkeys are particularly sensitive, with mortality ranging to 65%.^[3]

The recognition of this pathological condition is of ever increasing importance for differential diagnosis with avian influenza.