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- Viral Diseases
- Pigeon Pox
Disease
Pigeon Pox
جدري الحمام
Fowl pox in pigeons، الجدري
Educational content for breeders — not a substitute for veterinary advice. Doses and treatments here are general; actual diagnosis and treatment must be supervised by a veterinarian.
A highly contagious viral disease that affects the skin and mucous membranes, caused by a virus of the family Poxviridae. It spreads through wounds, direct contact and insect vectors such as mosquitoes.
Symptoms
Skin form: wart-like nodules on unfeathered areas. Diphtheritic form: pseudomembranes in mouth/pharynx. Mixed form possible.
Causes
Pox virus (Avipoxvirus)
Transmission
Skin wounds and scratches, direct contact with infected birds, insect bites (especially mosquitoes), and occasionally airborne spread.
Diagnosis
The visible lesions are usually enough for a preliminary diagnosis; confirmation by histopathology (presence of Bollinger bodies) or virus culture on the membranes of fertile eggs.
Treatment
Lesion removal, iodine-glycerin dressing, antibiotics for secondary infection, vitamin A/E supplementation.
Prevention
Live attenuated vaccine, mosquito/insect control, avoid trauma, disinfect with 10% bleach solution.
References
Egyptian Health Council – Pigeon Diseases 2025
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