Pigeon pox

PIGEON POX 
  • A viral disease which attacks the skin and / or mucous membrane 
  • Generally spreads between birds through saliva.  The virus can gain entry through minute breaks in the skin or mouth lining (often caused by pecking), possibly through shared feed and water or by mosquitoes through bites
  • Pigeon pox virus cannot infect humans
  • Woodpigeons appear to be badly afflicted if they contract the virus

Symptoms

  • Birds may show scabby or crusty lesions (the 'pocks') on unfeathered parts such as the beak, around eyes, on feet 
  • In the beak or throat cavity there may be cheesy-looking, foul smelling 'growths' (known as the mucosal form). These can be confused with canker growths for the inexperienced, particularly if no outer skin lesions are seen, so diagnosis by  veterinarian  is suggested.
  • Birds may appear otherwise well, unless lesions in the mouth interfere with feeding or breathing

Treatment

  • There is no anti-viral treatment as such   prevent secondary infections 
  • Vitamin A can help to promote healing of skin lesions 
  • Do not attempt to remove lesions inside the mouth - they are actually outgrowths of the skin - as this is likely to cause severe bleeding

Prevention

  • Pigeons may be vaccinated against pox - this may be done in combination with vaccination against PMV.
  • Pox vaccination is possible from as early as six weeks 
  • Treat any cuts and abrasions seen on a bird 
  • Strict hygiene
  • In Seasons where mosquitoes are a problem, ensure they can be excluded from pigeon living quarters 
Last modified: Wednesday, 9 May 2012, 4:28 AM