A report of Pasteurella multocida Type A infection in an organized poultry farm in Kerala

Fowl cholera is commonly occurring bacterial disease caused by Pasteurella multocida (Several serotypes) which affects most of the domestic and wild birds. A confirmatory diagnosis could be done by various biochemical test and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for serotyping the organism. The main objective of the present study was to investigate the Fowl cholera infection in an organized poultry farm in Thrissur district of Kerala. The feacal swabs, tracheal swabs and blood samples were collected and subjected to microbiological and molecular investigations. Also, these isolates were exposed to antibiotic sensitivity test (ABST) to find out the drug choice for the treatment. Our research findings confirmed that out of 28 birds of native chicken about 21 birds were found to be positive for Pasteurella multocida Type A infection. As pasteurellosis has a great impact on economy, early diagnosis with effective treatment and vaccination strategies should be employed in poultry.