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