Effect of novobiocin on fowl cholera in turkeys

Novobiocin was evaluated in vitro and in vivo against the causative agent of fowl cholera. It was active in vitro against 12 of 13 (92.3%) strains of Pasteurella multocida. The minimal inhibitory concentration ranged from 0.5 to 8.0 μg/ml. Four experimental trials were conducted in 650 turkeys. Novobiocin feed medication, given before or after experimental infection with P. multocida and continued for 5 to 7 days, reduced death losses from 82% to 36.8% and from 81.1% to 49.5%, respectively at 350 and 200 g of novobiocin per ton of feed. Novobiocin water medication at 1 g per gallon for 5 to 7 days reduced death losses from fowl cholera from 84% to 10.2%.