FOWL POX

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Causative Agent(s)

Avipoxvirus, DNA virus, also called “avian pox”. A slow-spreading infection. Begins with cutaneous form and goes to diphtheritic form (GI and respiratory). It is transmitted by direct contact through skin abrasions. Mosquitoes may serve as mechanical vectors.

Clinical Presentation and Epidemiology

Cutaneous – Wartlike nodular lesions on unfeathered skin of chickens and head/upper neck of turkeys. Lesions may also appear on feet, legs, around nostrils, and on eyelids. Lesions become yellowish, progress to thick dark scabs, and may coalesce. Low mortality, but decreased production.

Diphtheritic – Lesions on mucous membranes of part or entire digestive and respiratory tracts. Caseous patches or proliferative masses. High mortality.

Diagnostic Considerations

Characteristic lesions. PCR is available. Histopathology shows eosinophilic cytoplasmic inclusion bodies in epithelial cells. Infected cells are also enlarged, with associated inflammatory changes.

Management and Treatment

Vaccine is available