AVIAN CHOLERA IN EIDER DUCKS IN MAINE

Authors:
  • CKCarl E. Korschgen
    Carl E. Korschgen
  • HGHarold C. Gibbs
    Harold C. Gibbs
  • HMHoward L. Mendall
    Howard L. Mendall
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Abstract
Outbreaks of avian cholera (Pasteurella multocida) occur frequently in common eiders (Somateria mollissima dresseri) in Maine [USA] during early summer. Studies over a 7 yr period show that over 90% of the loss occurred in incubating females and might be associated with their weakened condition because females do not feed during the incubation period. High nesting densities also may contribute to the losses. The exact source of P. multocida is unknown although carrier birds were found.