Infraorbital sinusitis associated with Pasteurella multocida in pen-raised ring-necked pheasants

Pasteurella multocida, somatic serotype 6, was isolated from the infraorbital sinuses of 8-wk-old ring-necked pheasants with severe sinusitis. In addition, Escherichia coli, Pasteurella haemolytica-like bacteria, Mycoplasma gallinaceum, and Mycoplasma glycophilum were also isolated from some of the sinuses. Clinical signs appeared 3 days after placement on the grow-out ranch. The sinusitis consisted of severe unilateral or bilateral distention of the sinuses by mucoid to caseous exudate. Mortality and morbidity were low. Birds responded to treatment with tetracycline after proper medication procedures. The source of the infection was not determined, though possible sources include the brood ranch, wild animals, or wild waterfowl.