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Fowl Pox

NOT THE SAME AS CHICKEN POX IN HUMANS!!

Cause: Virus

Survival off birds: Months

Common worldwide: Mostly late summer and fall when mosquitoes are drawn to lights and warmth of poultry barn or coop.

Carrier: Infected Chicken to Healthy Chicken, Wild Birds, Mosquitoes, Flies, Mites. Each mosquito, mite or fly that bites a chicken with active fowl pox will carry this to the next bird it bites.

Symptoms - Dry Pox:   Lesions start as small, white bumps, which grow rapidly and turn yellow, then dark brown. After 2-4 weeks the pox dry up and become scabby. Most often noticed on comb, face-eyes, wattles and sometimes on legs & feet. Incubation period is 4 to 14 days. It will last 3-5 weeks in individual birds. Symptoms can resemble comb wounds from fighting birds but wounds do not spread and the fowl pox is quite apt to do that.

Treatment: (Dry Pox)  Treat barn area for flies and mosquitoes. If the bird has several lesions, even in the beginning stages it is best to isolate it in a different area than where you keep your flock. If several of the birds in your flock are infected then it would be appropriate to treat them all, especially those in closest proximity to the infected birds. There is no absolute known treatment for fowl pox. To prevent secondary infection treat the bird with 1 tablespoon of powdered Terramycin per gallon of drinking water or 300 mg of oxytetracycline (Terramycin) per gallon of water for 3 days. To help the birds stay comfortable during this trauma mix 1 cup of Vaseline with 2 teaspoons of Sulfur Powder (may be purchased at a plant nursery). The sulfur is to repel the mites, flies and mosquitoes. The Vaseline will help keep the scabs soft so you can gently remove them from the eyelids and around the mouth so the birds can see to eat and drink.

Prevention: Control flies, lice, mites, mosquitoes. A vaccine is also available. Should you elect to vaccinate your birds this should be done as chicks with a vaccine for chicks only. Adult vaccine is available and if used properly the pox may be checked while the disease is in progress.   Contact your favorite poultry supply to order this vaccine. Follow the directions perfectly.

Symptoms of Wet Pox: The same as Dry Pox except they will invade the throat and windpipe. They may become large enough internally to suffocate the bird. Death is caused due to suffocation.

Treatment: See Dry Pox - wet pox is almost impossible to treat. If a thick discharge interferes with breathing, clear the airways with a cotton swab coated with iodine. Catch dry pox and treat the problem before it gets to this stage!