Poultry FOWL POX

[Keystone Poultry Farm]

This disease is a pain in the neck for many poultry farmers.It is the most prevalent disease in farmers keeping both the indigenous and exotic chicken breeds.The loss can be devastating if it comes in full force.Cutaneous avian pox(dry pox) is the ailment caused by avianpox virus.Can be transmitted through mosquito bites and poor biosecurity.It is a viral disease and there is no cure for it.It is always wise to vaccinate for fowl pox twice in fowl pox endemic areas that is at 3 weeks and repeat at 6 weeks.Supportive treatment can be attempted(no actual treatment)to prevent secondary bacterial infections.Look for an antiseptic cream such as cetrino and apply on the affected areas.Combine it with a mild antibiotic in drinking water for 5 days.
PREVENTION AND CONTROL
-Control mosquitoes around poultry house by clearing the bush and draining stagnant water.
-Prompt vaccination of the flock against fowl pox.Done twice in fowl pox endemic areas at 3 weeks and at 6 weeks.
-Avoid introducing new birds into the flock without separating them.
*Avian fowl pox occur in two forms :diptheric form(wet pox)affects the inner parts of the mouth and trachea.
Another form is cutaneous form(dry pox).Affects non-feathered parts e.g head,beak,combs,wattles and also the skin itself.
*Of the two forms of avian pox diptheric form(wet pox) is the deadliest.
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