CHICKEN CHOLERA Meaning and
Definition
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Chicken cholera is a highly contagious and acute bacterial disease predominantly affecting domestic and wild birds, notably chickens and turkeys. It is caused by the bacterium Pasteurella multocida, specifically of the serotype Gallinarum or Avian Pasteurellosis. This infectious disease is characterized by severe wasting, high mortality rates, and various clinical manifestations.
The primary mode of transmission of chicken cholera is through direct contact with infected birds or their excretions, including respiratory discharges, feces, or contaminated feed and water sources. Additionally, unhygienic living conditions and overcrowding can facilitate the rapid spread of the disease within poultry flocks.
Clinical signs of chicken cholera may include sudden death with minimal preceding signs, depression, loss of appetite, ruffled feathers, increased thirst, decreased egg production, swollen wattles and comb, greenish diarrhea, and difficulty breathing. Upon necropsy, affected birds may exhibit enlarged liver and spleen, hemorrhages, and congested blood vessels.
Preventive measures against chicken cholera include maintaining proper hygiene, implementing strict biosecurity protocols, isolating and treating infected birds, and vaccination. Vaccines are available to provide immunity against specific subtypes of Pasteurella multocida and are commonly used as a preventive measure in areas where chicken cholera is prevalent.
Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial to control chicken cholera outbreaks. Antibiotics, such as tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones, and sulfonamides, are commonly prescribed to affected birds, though unfortunately, they may not always be effective due to rising antibiotic resistance. In case of suspected chicken cholera, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian or local animal health authority for proper diagnosis and guidance.
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Fatal specific diarrhea of fowls.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for CHICKEN CHOLERA
- xhicken cholera
- vhicken cholera
- fhicken cholera
- dhicken cholera
- cgicken cholera
- cbicken cholera
- cnicken cholera
- cjicken cholera
- cuicken cholera
- cyicken cholera
- chucken cholera
- chjcken cholera
- chkcken cholera
- chocken cholera
- ch9cken cholera
- ch8cken cholera
- chixken cholera
- chivken cholera
- chifken cholera
- chidken cholera
Etymology of CHICKEN CHOLERA
The word "cholera" has its origins in ancient Greek. It is derived from the Greek word "kholē" (χολή), which means "bile" or "yellowish green fluid". In early medical understanding, cholera referred to a disease characterized by the production of excessive amounts of bile or jaundice.
The term "chicken cholera" specifically refers to a highly contagious and often fatal disease that affects poultry, primarily chickens. The condition was first described in the 19th century, and it was initially believed to be caused by excessive bile or cholera in the chickens.
However, the understanding of the disease has since evolved, and we now know that it is caused by a bacteria called Pasteurella multocida. The term "chicken cholera" persists in common usage, even though it is no longer believed to be directly linked to excessive bile production.
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