Prevalence of non-cholera vibrios in cavum nasi and pharynx of ducks.

Investigations among ducks on ten different farms showed a high prevalence of Vibrio cholerae in cavum nasi and Pharynx after the ducks were admitted to the open field. In no case was Vibrio cholerae isolated from ducks which had never been outside the houses. At least six serovars were isolated, 0:54 being the most prevalent. All the strains isolated produced a distinctive cytotoxic effect in YI adrenal cells and caused fluid accumulation in rabbit gut loops. Migratory birds were incriminated as the source of initial contamination.