Fowl pox
From Poultry Hub
Fowl pox is a relatively slow-spreading viral infection that affects most bird species, including all commercial forms of poultry. It occurs in both a wet and dry form. The wet form is characterised by plaques in the mouth and upper respiratory tract. The dry form is characterised by wart-like skin lesions that progress to thick scabs. The disease may occur in any age of bird, at any time. Mortality is not usually significant unless the respiratory involvement is severe. Fowl pox can cause depression, reduced appetite and poor growth or egg production. The course of the disease in the individual bird takes three to five weeks.
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What causes fowl pox?
Fowl pox is caused by a DNA avian pox virus. There are five or six closely related viruses that primarily affect different species of birds but there is some cross-infection. Fowl pox can be transmitted by direct or indirect contact. Infection occurs through skin abrasions or bites, through the respiratory route and possibly through ingestion of infective scabs. It can be transmitted by birds, mosquitoes or fomites (inanimate objects such as equipment). The virus is highly resistant in dried scabs and under certain conditions may survive for months on contaminated premises. Mosquitoes can harbour infective virus for a month or more after feeding on affected birds. After the infection is introduced, it spreads within the flock by mosquitoes as well as direct and indirect contact. Recovered birds do not remain carriers. Since fowl pox usually spreads slowly, a flock may be affected for several months.
Prevention and treatment of fowl pox
There is no treatment for fowl pox. Prevention is through vaccination of replacement birds. Where preventative vaccination is used, all replacement chickens are vaccinated when the birds are six to ten weeks of age. One application of fowl pox vaccine results in permanent immunity. Vaccination of broilers is not usually required unless the mosquito population is high or infections have occurred previously. The chicks may be vaccinated as young as one day of age. During outbreaks, flocks and individuals still unaffected may be vaccinated. If there is evidence of secondary bacterial infection, broad-spectrum antibiotics may be of some benefit. Mosquito control procedures may be of some benefit in limiting spread in poultry confined in houses.
Further information
- Poultry Health Handbook 4th Ed, 1994. L. D. Schwartz, Pennsylvania State University.
See also
External links
- The Merck Veterinary Manual has a section dedicated to Poultry
- ThePoultrySite.com's Poultry Disease Guide
