Transboundary Emerging and Exotic Animal Disease/ Exotic Animal Disease Practice Exam

Which agent is known to cause fowl cholera?

1. Gallid herpesvirus 1

2. Pasteurella multocida

3. Avian paramyxovirus

4. Mycoplasma gallisepticum

The correct answer is: Pasteurella multocida

Fowl cholera is an infectious disease primarily affecting poultry, and it is caused by the bacterium Pasteurella multocida. This organism is a gram-negative, facultative anaerobe that can lead to severe outbreaks in chicken and other birds. The disease manifests as septicemia, which can sometimes result in rapid death, emphasizing the importance of early detection and management. Fowl cholera is notable for its ability to cause high mortality rates in affected flocks, often exacerbated under conditions of stress, overcrowding, or poor management. The prevention and control of fowl cholera typically involve vaccination, biosecurity measures, and proper flock management to mitigate the risk of exposure to the pathogen. The other agents listed can cause various diseases in birds, but they are not responsible for fowl cholera. Gallid herpesvirus 1 is linked to infectious laryngotracheitis, avian paramyxovirus can cause Newcastle disease, and Mycoplasma gallisepticum is associated with chronic respiratory disease in poultry. These distinctions underline the specific nature of pathogens and their associated diseases within avian species.