Avian Cholera: Overview

 What is Avian Cholera

Most species of birds and mammals can become infected with different strains of Pasteurella multocida; however, avian cholera in wild birds is primarily caused by one strain, Type 1. The species of birds most commonly affected are ducks and geese, coots, gulls, and crows. The bacteria can be transmitted by bird-to-bird contact, contact with secretions or feces of infected birds, or ingestion of food or water containing the bacteria. Aerosol tranmission may also occur. The bacteria may survive up to 4 months in soil and water.

Source: National Wildlife Health Center - Avian Cholera web-page

 Overview

Avian cholera is a contagious disease resulting from infection by the bacterium Pasteurella multocida. Several subspecies of bacteria have been proposed for P. multocida, and at least 16 different P. multocida serotypes or characteristics of antigens in bacterial cells that differentiate bacterial variants from each other have been recognized...

Acute P. multocida infections are common and they can result in bird deaths 6–12 hours after exposure, although 24–48 hours is more common. Susceptibility to infection and the course of disease — whether or not it is acute or chronic — is dependent upon many factors including sex, age, genetic variation, immune status from previous exposure, concurrent infection, nutritional status, and other aspects of the host; strain virulence and other aspects of the bacterium; and dose and route of exposure. Infection in poultry generally results when P. multocida enters the tissues of birds through the mucous membranes of the pharynx or upper air passages. The bacterium can also enter through the membranes of the eye or through cuts and abrasions in the skin. It is assumed that transmission is similar in wild birds.

Source: National Wildlife Health Center - Field Manual of Wildlife Diseases