Clinical signs of poxvirus (Avipoxvirus) in poultry vary depending on the form:

Dry (cutaneous) pox:

• Wart-like, scabby lesions on comb, wattles, eyelids, beak, and legs
• Lesions start as small pale spots → raised nodules → dark crusts
• Swelling around the eyes, sometimes causing partial blindness
• Mild drop in appetite or production
  

Wet (diphtheritic) pox:

• Yellow/white plaques or “cheesy” lesions in the mouth, throat, or trachea
• Difficulty breathing, gasping, or open-mouth breathing
• Difficulty swallowing, reduced feed intake, weight loss
• Nasal discharge
  

General signs:

• Lethargy
• Reduced egg production
• Poor growth in young birds
  

Wet pox is the more severe form and can be life-threatening, especially if it obstructs the airway.

Chickens

Turkey

Geese

Ducks

Quails

Game Birds

Birds of Prey

Parrots

Parakeets

Pigeons and Doves

Finches

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• Caused by infection with a poxvirus from the genus Avipoxvirus
• A DNA virus that infects epithelial (skin and mucosal) cells
• Different strains are adapted to specific bird species or groups
• Disease develops when the virus enters the body, usually through breaks in the skin or mucous membranes, and begins replicating locally

1. Direct Contact

• Spread occurs through contact with infected birds or contaminated scabs and fluids. Transmission is most common within the same or closely related bird species, as Avipoxvirus strains are generally species-specific.

2. Insect Vectors

• Mosquitoes and other biting insects act as mechanical vectors, carrying the virus between birds. They typically transmit infection within the same or closely related species.

3. Environment

• The virus can survive for long periods in scabs, litter, equipment, and surfaces. These act as a reservoir of infection.

1. Clinical Signs:

• Diagnosis often begins with recognizing characteristic lesions:
• Birds may show lethargy, reduced appetite, and decreased productivity.

2. Histopathology:

• Examination of tissue samples from lesions under a microscope.
• Inclusion Bodies: Presence of Bollinger bodies (intracytoplasmic viral inclusion bodies) in affected cells confirms poxvirus infection.

3. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR):

• A highly sensitive and specific molecular test that detects avipoxvirus DNA in tissue or lesion samples.
• Useful for confirming the virus and identifying specific strains.

1. There Is No Treatment

• There is no specific antiviral treatment for avian pox. Care is focused on supportive care to aid recovery and reduce complications.

2. Antibiotics

• Antibiotics may be required to treat secondary bacterial infections and should be used under veterinary guidance.

3. Pain Relief

• Providing appropriate pain relief can significantly improve welfare, particularly in birds with extensive lesions.

4. Good Hygiene

• Keep external lesions clean and dry, but avoid removing scabs, as they protect underlying healing tissue. A wound spray or dilute iodine solution can be used to gently cleanse and disinfect, helping prevent secondary infection.

5. Removal of Plaques

• In wet pox cases, plaques in the mouth or airway may require careful management if they interfere with breathing or swallowing. These should only be handled with veterinary guidance, as they can be highly vascular and prone to bleeding.

1. Vaccination

• Vaccination is the most effective form of prevention, particularly for young birds or flocks at higher risk of exposure.

2. Insect Control

• Control mosquitoes and other biting insects by eliminating standing water and using appropriate insect deterrents around housing.

3. Biosecurity

• Maintain strong biosecurity by isolating affected birds, regularly cleaning and disinfecting equipment, and practising good hygiene to limit spread.

Seek veterinary advice if you notice:

• Lesions around the eyes causing swelling or impaired vision
• Signs of wet pox (yellow/white plaques in the mouth or throat)
• Breathing difficulty, gasping, or open-mouth breathing
• Inability to eat or drink, weight loss, or rapid decline
• Bleeding or severely infected lesions
• Large numbers of birds affected or rapid spread through the group
• No improvement after 1–2 weeks, or worsening condition
  

Early support is especially important with wet pox, as it can become life-threatening if the airway is compromised.