Fowl Pox: Causes And Control Measures

Fowlpox is the worldwide disease of poultry caused by viruses of the family Poxviridae and the genus Avipoxvirus. The viruses causing fowlpox are distinct from one another but antigenically similar, possible hosts including chickens, turkeys, quail, canaries, pigeons, and many other species of birds. Fowl pox virus is a slow spreading viral disease that causes skin lesions (dry pox) or diptheritic lesions (wet pox). The incidence of disease is variable depending on climate, management, hygiene, biosecurity, and use of a regular vaccination program.

Symptoms/Lesions
Dry pox results in scabs and lesions around the comb, wattle, ear lobes, and eyes. Wet pox lesions are associated with the oral cavity and the upper respiratory tract, especially the larynx and trachea. Wet pox is more serious, results in higher mortality, and is a source of current industry problems. The course of the disease in individual birds is from 10 to 14 days and base on a flock, it generally lasts 6 to 10 weeks.

Causes
Apart from being caused by pox virus, there are other three possible ways in which the virus can also be spread. These are:
* The virus shed from Fowl pox wounds of the affected birds can enter the next victim through skin wounds. Normal healthy skin will act as an effective barrier to Fowl pox virus.
* Biting insects like certain specie of mosquitoes, mites and lice can carry the virus from one bird to another.
* Pox viruses that infect mammals can be spread through the air which is suspected to be a way for Fowl pox transmission.

Prevention And Control

1. Prevention involves implementation of an effective biosecurity program.
2. Vaccination at early stage before the pox virus outbreak is highly recommended.
3. Chickens are most commonly vaccinated with the pigeon pox vaccine.
4. It is also important to control mosquitoes in the area where the birds are kept.

Treatment
There is no specific treatment for Fowl pox but it is worth taking them to your vet, especially if they have the ‘wet form’ as they may prescribe antibiotics to prevent secondary bacteria which can make the problem worse. If your bird is restless and not eating as much food as normal, it is worth giving them Chicken Vet Amino+ to compensate for their reduced appetite. Birds may find it very painful to eat but may find it less painful to drink; therefore supplements in their water will be of benefit.

For quick updates and comments, follow us on our social media connects; FacebookPage, TwitterHandle and Instagram. You can also subscribe and watch videos on our YouTube channel.  At Artib Farm, we materialize your satisfaction!

References
1. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fowlpox
2. http://hyline.com/fowlpox
3. https://artibfarm.blogspot.com/2018/08/how-to-generally-prevent-poultry.html
4. https://articles.extension.org/pages/68128/fowl-pox-in-poultry
5. Photo Credit: http://www.poultryhub.org/health/disease/types-of-disease/fowl-pox/