Fowl pox

Fowl pox

AETIOLOGY:

Fowl pox is caused by a large DNA Avipoxvirus of the family Poxviridae. Many strains of virus are recognized and naturally infect the species given in their name.

Some common examples are:

• Fowl poxvirus
• Quail poxvirus
• Turkey poxvirus
• Pigeon poxvirus
• Psittacine poxvirus
• Canary poxvirus

TRANSMISSION: 

• Direct: by water and feed.
   
• Indirect: by vectors such as mosquitoes and others insects. 

CLINICAL SIGNS: 

• Humid or diphtheroid form: respiratory signs and drop in feed consumption. Mortality and drops in production are variable. 
   
• Cutaneous form: there are no clinical signs unless bacterial complications occur. Only characteristic lesions are observed. 

LESIONS: 

• Humid or diphtheroid form: fibrinous-necrotic lesions in oral cavity of mucous membrane, oesophagus and trachea. 
• Cutaneous form: papules and scabs on areas lacking feathers (crest, chin, legs, etc.) 

DIAGNOSIS: 

Can be confirmed by histopathological analysis; this is done by observing the cytoplasmatic inclusion bodies and pathognomonics, called Böllinger bodies, which are characteristic of the disease.

•  Causal identification agent: isolating and identification.

TREATMENT, PREVENTION AND CONTROL:

There are no aetiological treatments, although it is possible to establish a symptomatic therapy.

Vaccination with live vaccines gives efficacious protection.

• Cross-reactions of poxviruses from various avian species.
• Read as Pigeonpox (y axis) reacts with individual strain (x axis). Vaccines available are listed as homologous or heterologous.
• Gerlach, H. (1994) Avian Medicine: Principles and Applications, Section 5, Chapter 32: Viruses. 865-874.

Moreover, hygienic care, biosecurity and control of vectors must be emphasized due to their relevance in controlling the disease.