Avian pox

 

Introduction :

Avian pox is a slow spreading common virus disease for birds, characterized by mainly two forms 1. mild form and 2. Severe form. It has a worldwide distribution ans has been described in more than 60 species of birds representing some 20 families, as will as in caged birds.

Clinical sings :

1. Mild form : Focal cutaneous lesion is characterized by discrete, nodular proliferative lesion in the skin, which appear as typical pox like nodulat lesions yellow to dark brown color on the comb, wattle, eyelids and other non feathered areas of the body.

2. Severe form : The lesions in the mouth, oesophagus and trachea are yellow white and cheesy in appearance. 

The upper respiratory tract involvement may cause respiratory distress and death by suffocation.

Upper alimentary tract involvement cause inability to take feed, reslting retarded growth, wasting condition and lowered egg production.

Diagnosis :

The presence of pox lesions of the head particularly of the comb and around the eyes or yellow cheesy lesions of the mucous membranes of the nasal and buccal cavities are suggestive of Fowl pox.

A Dfinitive diagnosis can be made in a diagnostical laboratory by histological examination of virus ilolation in embryonated chicken eggs.

Ground up scabs inoculated onto the CAM of 9 to 12 day old embryonated eggs produce characteristic pock lesion.

Infection may be determined by serological means and the most sensitive test is the ELISA.

Treatment :

Theres is no specific drugs against virus disease like avian pox.

Treatment of local lesions with disinfectant and several of the diphtheritic membranes from the throat to improve respiration has been practiced.

Controlling secondary bacterial infections of the cutaneous or eye lesions :

Lesions are treated topically with antiseptic, tinctures and fat solvents to dissolve the viral envelop.

Chloramphenicol ointment 1.0% may be applied to prevent bacterial infection.

Affected eye should be washed with merbromin 2% solution.

Administration of antibiotics like gentamicin or tylosin 10 mg / kg orally or parenterally once or twice daily for 5 days control bacterial infection in the mucous membrane.

Vitamin A 10,000 - 25,000 iu in young birds in water or feed, and IM once weekly injection in adult birds, in effective at early stage of the disease to reduce the severity.

Control :

Preventive vaccination using a live vaccine is by far the most successful control method.

Even when an outbreak of Fowl pox has been diagnosed, it is advisable to vaccinate the flock immediately to stop further spread of the infection.