Avian Fowl Pox

Question 1

What kind of virus is fowl pox?

Answer 1

Poxvirus

Question 2

Where does the virus replicate?

Answer 2

Exclusively in the host cell cytoplasm

Question 3

How is the dz transmitted?

Answer 3

• Infection occurs to the injured or lacerated skin through mechanical transmission of the virus
• Mosquitos have been shown to spread the dz in chicken and layer flocks

Question 4

Which areas of the body are most susceptible to the viris?

Answer 4

The mucosa of the upper respiratory tract and mouth are highly susceptible, and infection can occur in the absence of skin trauma or injury

Question 5

When will you see CS in chickens?

Answer 5

At 1-2 weeks of age

Question 6

What is the incubation period of fowl pox virus?

Answer 6

Between 4-10 days

Question 7

What are the forms of fowl pox virus?

Answer 7

Dry (cutaneous) and wet (membranous)

Question 8

Dry form

Answer 8

The cutaneous form results in nodules on the comb, wattles, eyelids, and other un feathered areas of the body

Question 9

Wet form

Answer 9

Raised fibrinous plaques or nodules on the MM of the mouth, esophagus, or upper part of the trachea. Can lead to TRACHEAL PLUGS which cause suffocation

Question 10

Diagnosis of fowl pox virus

Answer 10

• Presumptive diagnosis based on the presence of scabs on the skin, comb, wattles, or other unfeathered areas of the body, or yellow plaques on the MM of the mouth or esophagus.
• histopathological examination of the scabs or by virus isolation on the chorioallantoic membrane of embryonated eggs (dropped CAM method)

Question 11

Treatment of fowl pox virus

Answer 11

No treatment for acute outbreaks in chicks. Cull severely affected chicks

Question 12

Prevention of fowl pox virus

Answer 12

• Vaccination is the primary method of controlling fowl pox. 2 types of live furs vaccines.
• Also reduction of cannibalism and flying insects (mosquitoes)