Pullorum disease and fowl typhoid are septicemic bacterial diseases of poultry caused by host-adapted Salmonella Pullorum and Salmonella Gallinarum. Pullorum causes high mortality in young chicks, while fowl typhoid affects birds of all ages. Both spread vertically through eggs and horizontally, and are subject to control programs in many countries.
Pullorum disease and fowl typhoid are classic septicemic Salmonella infections of poultry that have been the focus of eradication and certification programs for decades.
The causes are the host-adapted bacteria Salmonella Pullorum and Salmonella Gallinarum. They are transmitted through hatching eggs from infected hens (vertical) and by the fecal-oral route, contaminated equipment and carrier birds.
Pullorum in chicks causes white pasty diarrhea, huddling, gasping, lameness and high mortality in the first weeks of life. Fowl typhoid in older birds causes depression, pale combs, greenish diarrhea, drop in lay and deaths.
Diagnosis is by bacterial culture and serotyping, serological testing (such as the rapid plate agglutination test used in control programs), and characteristic necropsy lesions.
Antibiotics can reduce mortality but do not eliminate carriers, and treatment is often discouraged where eradication is the goal; infected flocks are typically removed.
Prevention relies on testing and certification of breeder flocks, removal of reactors, biosecurity, and hatchery hygiene under official control programs.
This content is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you are worried about your pet, contact your veterinarian.
