POX VIRUS INFECTION
General information
Pox viruses can infect many species of birds, and each species of bird may have
its own unique species of pox virus (mynah bird pox virus, canary pox virus,
etc.). Pox viruses can cause several different clinical syndromes, depending
upon what part of the body is infected.
What are the signs of pox virus infection?
There are several distinct clinical syndromes seen in birds infected with a
pox virus. In the cutaneous form of the disease, nodular or crusted areas of
the non-feathered skin are seen. These lesions most often occur around the face
and on the feet, beginning as white or yellow areas that rapidly progress to
form crusts. In lovebirds, pox virus lesions often appear on darkened or discolored
areas of the skin.
In the diphtheritic form of a pox virus infection, lesions may occur by themselves
or with skin lesions. Thickened plaques occur in the mouth, throat, or sinuses.
Canary pox may present as sudden death or the sudden onset of difficult breathing.
How is pox virus diagnosed?
While the skin lesions and plaques that occur in pox virus infection can suggest
pox virus, other diseases such as bacterial or fungal diseases, abscesses, and
tumors may appear similarly. Diagnosis is best made by a biopsy of the lesion;
attempts to isolate the virus from the lesions can also be used.
How is pox virus transmitted?
Most commonly, mechanical vectors such as mosquitoes and biting flies transmit
the virus from an infected bird to a non-infected one. Birds that are housed
outdoors are therefore more susceptible than those kept inside. The virus can
also be transmitted after the ingestion of infected scabs or inhalation of aerosols.
How is pox virus treated?
Control of mosquitoes and flies is critical if birds are housed outdoors. Many
birds will recover with supportive treatment; local treatment of the crusts
may be indicated. Antibacterial therapy is often used if a secondary infection
is present.
Healthy birds can be vaccinated, although this is most typically done for birds
living in a flock rather than an isolated household pet.
Back
to Cage Birds and Parrots Information Index
|
