Pathological investigation of an outbreak of fowl typhoid in a duck farm in Kerala

A disease outbreak in a duck farm of 5,000 birds from Thrissur, Kerala was investigated. Three ducks of 8 month, with the history of droopiness and sudden death were presented to the Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy for necropsy examination. On necropsy, fibrinous pericarditis, perihepatitis, airsacculitis and hydropericardium could be observed. Blood smear examination revealed clumps of coccobacilli interspersed among the blood cells. Affected tissue samples were collected for histopathology and bacteriological examination. Histopathology revealed fibrinous pericarditis with infiltration of heterophils, vasculitis, vacuolation of hepatic parenchyma and pulmonary congestion with interstitial haemorrhages. Bacteriological studies showed gram negative small rods, which when serotyped were confirmed as Salmonella gallinarum serotype 9, 12, thus confirming fowl typhoid. This report points out the importance of better management practices, proper disease investigation and surveillance for achieving efficient growth rate and profitability in poultry industry.