Systematic Veterinary Virology

CONTROL

• Vaccination: Vaccination is indicated in areas where fowlpox is endemic or on premises where infection has been diagnosed previously. Live fowl and pigeon pox virus vaccines, and also fowlpox vectored vaccines that protect against pox, are available commercially. These vaccines are derived from chicken embryos or avian cell cultures. Birds are vaccinated around 6th week of age. Evidence of successful immunisation with vaccine can be determined by examining a flock 7–10 days after vaccination for ‘takes’. A take consists of a swelling of the skin or a scab at the site where the vaccine was applied and its presence is evidence of successful immunisation.
• Eradication is aimed at following good husbandry practices coupled with vaccination in endaemic areas.