Fowl cholera in California multiplier breeder turkeys: 1985-86

One hundred twenty-nine multiplier breeder turkey flocks on 45 premises in California were monitored for outbreaks of fowl cholera (FC) (Pasteurella multocida) for 1 year (Aug. 1, 1985, through July 31, 1986). Fourteen (11%) flocks on 10 (22%) premises experienced outbreaks. Nine (64%) outbreaks occurred in the fall or winter. FC-outbreak flocks had significantly shorter lay cycles (24.6 weeks vs. 27.9 weeks) and correspondingly lower total egg production per hen (84 eggs vs. 103 eggs) than non-outbreak flocks. A case-control investigation was performed on 11 FC-outbreak (case) flocks, and nine non-outbreak (control) flocks. Case flocks were located statistically closer to other livestock species than were control flocks (0.28 miles vs. 0.68 miles) and were more likely to utilize on-farm disposal of dead birds.