Typeability, reproducibility, and discriminatory power of ERIC-PCR and Apal-PFGE to establish the genetic relation of P. multocida strains were determined. Forty-nine strains of different source, biotype, capsular group, somatic serotype, and resistance to antimicrobials were studied. By ERIC-PCR, 31 patterns were defined with 10 to 14 bands in a rank of 0.2 and 1.2 kb. By Apal-PFGE, 37 restriction patterns were established with 7 to 15 bands of 34 to 450 kb. Typeability was 100% (T=1) for ERIC-PCR, and 94% (T = 0.94) for Apal-PFGE. Reproducibility of both techniques was 100% (R=1). Discriminatory power was 93% (D = 0.93) for ERIC-PCR, and 98% (D = 0.98) for Apal-PFGE. By using both techniques, epidemiologically related strains were grouped, and unrelated strains were clearly differentiated. The value of ERIC-PCR and Apal-PFGE as complements to epidemiologic studies was demonstrated, especially when both techniques were used to analyze the strains.