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Fowl Pox
An infectious disease of the avian species that is
characterized by proliferative growths on the featherless
parts of the body or caseous plaques on the membranes of
the mouth.
Etiology
Virus Fowl Pox
Turkey Pox
Canary Pox
Pigeon Pox
Quail Pox
These viruses are highly resistant to drying. There is some cross species infectivity with
the various viruses with the exception of canary pox which is specific for canaries.
Incubation Period
6-14 Days
Average 1 week
Course of Disease
3-4 Weeks to run through the whole flock
Mortality 1-2% In most cases
Method of Spread
Mosquitoes act as mechanical carriers. So this is a seasonal problem; increased incidence in late summer / early fall as day length shortens and nights get cool. Mosquitoes go into lighted chicken houses in evening to take a blood meal.
Contact with infected birds. A break in the integrity of the epithelium is necessary to produce the infection.
Wild birds may be a reservoir of infection.
Signs
Skin Type – Dry Pox
Small grey papular eruptions on the featherless parts of the body.
Lesions coalesce to form large scabs.
Removal of scabs leaves a raw bleeding surface.
Eye involvement frequently seen. This can cause turkeys to starve.
Pocks
Pocks
Pocks
Pocks
Pocks
Pocks
Signs (Continued)
Diphtheritic Type – Wet Pox
Yellow, raised membranous
patches on surface of the mouth
and larynx. Involvement of the
choana and sinuses occurs in
game birds.
Pseudomembrane develops and
frequently results in asphyxiation.
This form can cause growth
depression and death.
Wet Pox
Quail
Postmortem Lesions Same as signs
Differential Diagnosis Laryngotracheitis
Trichomoniasis in quail
Quail
Wet Pox
Wet Pox – Quail
Wet Pox in Trachea
Diagnosis
Typical lesions.
Histopathology – intracytoplasmic inclusions with ballooning degeneration.
Viral isolation on the CAM of embryonated eggs. Pock development on the CAM indicates virus.
Scarification of epithelium and inoculation of suspect material.
Histo
Intracytoplasmic Inclusion Bodies
Treatment
None
Removal of scabs around the eyes
or mouth will facilitate eating or
drinking.
Prevention
Vaccination – Live virus, commonly
combined with Avian Encephalomyelitis
vaccine
Fowl pox vaccine – more virulent
Pigeon pox vaccine – less virulent
Used in laying birds
Has less adverse effect on feed consumption and
egg production
But vaccinating birds in lay with any vaccine will
reduce production regardless
Vaccine
Comment
Both vaccines are given via the wing web.
Vaccination of turkeys via the wing web should be discouraged due to the habit of tucking their head under a wing while sleeping. Use thigh stick.
Quail are often vaccinated at 2 weeks of age.
Due to the small size of the bird and the wing web, use just 1 prong of the applicator for vaccine administration.
Vaccination
Vaccination
Vaccination
Vaccination
Checking Takes
Checking Takes
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