Fowl Typhoid and Pullorum Disease

acute infectious diseases of gallinaceous birds, especially chickens and turkeys. Fowl typhoid is caused by the microorganism Salmonella gallinarum, and pullorum disease by the microorganism S. pullorum.

Both diseases are found in almost all countries of the world. In the USSR, they occur in the southern parts of the country. They usually affect young birds. The carriers are sick and recovered birds, which discharge the bacteria in their droppings. The diseases are transmitted by food, water, and litter. The symptoms are lethargy, an increase in body temperature, and diarrhea; in addition, the comb turns blue. The dead birds, when examined, reveal necrotic areas in the internal organs. Treatment consists of the use of antibiotics, nitrofurans, and sulfanilamides. Prevention includes agglutination tests and sanitary measures. If fowl typhoid or pullorum disease is found to be present, the farm is considered contaminated and is disinfected. The eggs and meat of the birds at a contaminated farm can be eaten if thoroughly cooked.