Fowl pox is a common disease in domestic birds such as chickens or turkeys, but the truth is that it can affect other species. Although, in general, it is possible for the animal to recover, the most serious cases can be fatal. Hence the importance of knowing, identifying and preventing this disease that we will talk about in this article on our site. We will see symptoms, treatment and prevention of this pathology of worldwide distribution.
If you live with chickens or other birds and have identified suspicious wounds on them, keep reading to find out if it is this pathology. Learn to identify the fowlpox symptoms and know the treatment.
Fowl pox in chickens: symptoms
This is a viral disease that affects the skin and the respiratory tract, being one of the most common pathologies in hens. The cause is the Variola avium virus, belonging to the Poxviridae family, very resistant to environmental conditions. It is capable of surviving in the environment for several months, especially in low temperatures. The incubation period for avian pox is from one to 10 days and it can be spread by direct contact or by any contaminated object.
Affected birds can pass the disease without us noticing any symptoms. But, when clinical signs do occur, these include the appearance of whitish lesions, similar to blisters, especially located on beards or, in more serious cases, legs or even the rest of the body. These blisters, over time, end up turning into scabs that take about three weeks to heal and fall off. They can leave a scar. Crest, face, eyes or non-feathered parts may swell as part of the symptoms of fowl pox in chickens and any other birds.
This dermatological condition is the most frequent, but not the only one. In some birds, the virus lesions affect the mouth and throat, with eye and nasal secretions and respiratory problems that can be serious enough to kill the animal. These are the two possible manifestations of the disease, the second being the most dangerous. They can appear simultaneously or independently.
Fowlpox can occur at any time in the bird's life, but is most common between three and five months Others Fowl pox symptoms are lethargy, loss of appetite, weight loss, diarrhoea, slow growth and reduced egg production.
Species affected by avian pox
This pathology is more common in laying birds Thus, it is more frequent that we detect avian pox in turkeys, hens or chickens, although they can be different strains, the same as the one that causes avian pox in canaries or avian pox in pigeons. Therefore, the clinical picture may present some differences depending on the species with respect to the one we have described.
How to cure avian pox: treatment
The diagnosis of this disease is reached by observing the clinical picture and can be confirmed by detecting the virus in a sample taken from the lesions. If the bird lives with other it is advisable to separate it, since it is a highly contagious disease, and thoroughly clean the environment.
Among the fowlpox medications the vet can prescribe disinfectants for lesionsskin, which can be applied directly and in drinking water. Vitamins such as A may also be indicated and will improve the condition of the skin. Secretions can be cleaned with saline.
Since it is a virus, in principle, antibiotics against avian pox would not be necessary, but their presence implies damage that will favor the proliferation of bacteria, which complicates the symptoms and, therefore, yes antibiotics are recommended according to veterinary criteria. Antifungals may also be considered for the same reason. Avian pox is curable but the recovered birds will remain carriers, so extreme precautions must be taken if at any time we want to introduce a new bird into the house.
Fowlpox: Vaccine
There is a vaccine for fowlpox that is given by wingstick and can help prevent it. The veterinarian will be able to inform us about the administration schedule that best suits our case. It is also helpful to keep the birds in good hygienic conditions, in a suitable environment and well fed. With all this, it is more likely that your immune system is stronger and manages to prevent or minimize any disease.
On the other hand, the distribution of the virus has been associated with the presence of mosquitoes and parasites that feed on blood, so, to prevent the disease, it is also necessary to control, as much as possible, the population of these animals. To do this, we recommend reviewing the following articles:
- Mites in birds
- Lice in chickens
Avian pox: home treatment
As in any disease, we must always follow, in the first place, the instructions of the veterinarian, but we can point out some herbs that will help improve the immune status of the bird, so that it can better cope with this pathology. These herbs are recommended for chickens, so it will be necessary to consult a specialist about their application in other birds. The most effective home remedies for avian pox are the following:
- Astragalus, which stimulates the immune system, is antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory.
- Thyme, helps the respiratory system and relieves infections.
- Oregano, is a natural antibiotic and also favors the respiratory tract.
- Garlic, stimulant of the immune system and antibacterial. It also has an anticoagulant effect, so you should not exceed the dose. It can be given once or twice a week.
- Echinacea, which is another of the immune system stimulants. It is also beneficial for the respiratory system and acts against fungi and bacteria.
- Marine algae, capable of stimulating the immune system.
- Fishmeal, improves the appearance of the skin.
Herbs can be offered dried, fresh or as an infusion For wound treatment, coconut oil can be used, which has antibacterial properties and calms the discomfort of damaged skin, maintaining hydration. Honey is another natural product with beneficial effects on wounds.
Does fowlpox spread to humans?
Although the poxvirus that causes smallpox in humans is also found, there is no evidence to show that the virus that makes birds sick manages to infect people. Therefore, we must direct precautions to avoid bird-to-bird transmission.
