[2022/03/04, 08:41:30] Peter Rogers: Good morning all. A rehabilitation centre here has about 30 chickens with fowl pox - is it possible for it to spread to other caged raptors and birds in the Centre please ? [2022/03/04, 08:45:19] James Roxburgh: Pete, a quick answer - yes. Because fowl pox is transmitted by mosquitoes, the potential exists that other birds may be affected. Biosecurity and mosquito control are important [2022/03/04, 08:46:42] Robert Campbell: Yes it is possible Pete. They need control of insect vectors - biting mosquitos, biting midges at some point in a wild setting can also be a problem. I have used pyrethroid impregnated shade cloth to be put around enclosures or holding cages. [2022/03/04, 08:51:56] Neil Parsons: What would your approach be for the treatment of pox lesions in raptors? Vitamin/mineral supplementation, antibiotics for secondary infections in severe cases? I assume they regress eventually? [2022/03/04, 09:22:37] Henry Labuschagne: I use Doxybiotic S and topical Acriflavine in Glycerine fortified with Stockholm tar. [2022/03/04, 09:29:43] Jess Briner: Whilst fowl pox is primarily spread by insects, it can also be spread through direct contact with an infected animal, contaminated object or aerosol particles. So on top of insect control, good biosecurity is critical. [2022/03/04, 09:32:51] Alex Lewis: I have vaccinated raptors with pigeon pox strain with success. I don't suggest wing fold stab as a pustule and fibrosis in could be bad for a flying machine... [2022/03/04, 17:23:45] Ben Potgieter: The treatment that I have given so far is 0.5ml dexamethasone, Vit BCo, Kyroligo. [2022/03/04, 17:25:33] Robert Campbell: Yes so important, fomites was a huge problem when we had the flamingo madness! [2022/03/05, 05:45:48] Ockert Botha: Peter. Regarding pox. Yes it can and will spread. Use pyrethrin spray on birds. Insecticide concentrate Aviomed has specific feather dispersing. It is concentrated, but it is safe for use even on nestlings. High dose Vitamin C and E powder; Viromune from Aviomed. Antibiotic preferably amoxycillin - high dose for birds Muscle and Wing mix Compounded from VetScripts. One can use pigeon pox (Medipox vaccine made by Medpet). Cross immunity is OK but not great for fowl pox. The vaccine is however well attenuated. Spray walls and perches and surfaces around sleeping areas with Summer Spray, Deet and 4 oils.
