An outbreak of fowl cholera in green pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) in Japan.

Abstract

An outbreak of fowl cholera occurred in a green pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) flock at a pheasantry in Saitama prefecture of Japan in February of 1984. Twenty-eight (19%) of 150 birds in the flock died of an acute disease. Pasteurella multocida was isolated in pure culture from hearts, lungs, livers, kidneys and spleens of three representative dead birds. Serovars of the isolates were identified as Carter's capsular type A, Heddleston's type 3, and Namioka's type 8, 9:A. Macroscopically, multiple necrotic foci were observed in livers and spleens, and hemorrhages in small intestines. Microscopically, multiple areas of necrosis, bacterial aggregates and moderate heterophilic infiltration were apparent in livers and spleens. Bacterial aggregates were also apparent in hearts and lungs. Hyperemia was apparent in the lungs, kidneys and spleens. Congestion and bacterial emboli were observed in small intestines. These etiological and pathological findings indicated that the infection was typical fowl cholera. This is the first report on the occurrence of fowl cholera in the green pheasant, which is an indigenous bird in Japan.