Pox occurs in pigeon flocks and feral pigeons worldwide. Increased incidence of
pigeon pox is observed in humid summer and warm winter weather.
Pathogen:
The pigeon pox virus produces typical skin and mucosal changes in pigeons. It is
not infectious for humans and other mammals.
Symptoms of the disease:
There are two forms of pigeon pox:
In the skin form, birds develop scabby proliferations (pocks), especially where the
outer skin meets the mucosa of the eye and beak region, and additionally on the
legs. The virus penetrates the skin through minute lesions (scratches, peck lesions
and insect bites). The pocks are clearly differentiated from the unchanged skin,
but firmly attached to it. (NB: Do not remove them, due to risk of bleeding.)
In the mucosal form, firmly attached deposits are formed on the mucosa of the
crop and pharyngeal cavity. These can impede feed and water uptake and
breathing.
The infection usually takes a benign course, providing the skin and mucosal changes
- which can also manifest simultaneously - remain confined to the local infection
sites. The general condition is impaired if the virus enters the bloodstream and
colonises the internal organs. Pox disease lasts for around 3-4 weeks, or even
several weeks or months in undernourished pigeons. Secondary bacterial infections
may complicate the disease processes.
Recognition of the disease:
The two forms of pox can be identified relatively easily from the typical
proliferations or deposits on the skin and mucosa. If the disease is suspected,
confirmation is obtained by microscopic examination of affected tissue for
so-called "Bollinger inclusions", which contain large quantities of the virus.
Similar conditions:
Trichomoniasis("Canker"), Ornithosis, Infectious Catarrh("Coryza").
Notes:
Do not give pigeons any feeds containing calcium (e.g. grit) during treatment with
chlortetracyclin+, since calcium binds chlortetracycline and thus reduces its
efficacy.
No free flight for affected pigeons.
Do not provide bath water.
Prevention:
Only active immunisation protects the pigeons.
| Pigeon Pox |
