Fowl typhoid is a highly contagious disease of poultry caused by the salmonella gallinarum bacteria. The disease is spread through the droppings of infected birds. The bacteria may also be spread through contaminated food, water, clothing and equipment. Fowl typhoid is an economically significant disease with mortality rates reaching 100 percent.

Although S. gallinarum may be present in backyard flocks, there hasn't been an outbreak of fowl typhoid in the U.S. since 1980.

Endemic Areas

Mexico, Central and South America, Africa and India.

Clinical Signs

• Depression
• Loss of appetite
• Huddling
• Increased thirst
• Ruffled feathers
• Yellow or green diarrhea
• Decreased egg production

Treatment

Fowl typhoid may be treated with antibiotics but it does not eliminate the infection. Any bird suspected of having fowl cholera should be reported to the State Veterinarians or USDA Area Veterinarian in Charge immediately.

Prevention

Vaccines for fowl typhoid are available. The disease may be prevented from getting into the flock by purchasing birds certified as typhoid-free and following USDA-APHIS Biosecurity for the Birds program.

Public Health

Fowl typhoid is NOT the same as typhoid fever in humans. Fowl typhoid is not a public health threat.

Links

Fowl Typhoid -Iowa State University

Pollurum & Fowl Typhoid -Texas Animal Health Commission