GEORGE NEWS - Two weeks ago, a reader alerted George Herald of two birds, both pigeons, with wart-like growths she took to Vet Care Animal Clinic.
Both birds were diagnosed with avian pox.
"Currently, we are seeing quite a few of these coming through the practice. We separate the birds on arrival and see who is treatable. However, some lesions are so severe and painful that it is the humane thing to euthanise them. Milder lesions we do treat, but they often get worse, especially in young birds with poor immunity," says Vet Care's Dr Elke Schwellnus.
Avian pox is a viral disease in doves, transmitted via vectors like mosquitoes and contact with infected skin abrasions. Inhalation or ingestion of the virus (for the diphtheritic form) also occurs.
The disease comes in two forms: Cutaneous (dry) pox, characterised by wart-like growths on unfeathered areas like legs, feet, eyelids, beak and comb/wattles, and diphtheritic (wet) pox.
It involves necrotic, yellow-white, cheese-like lesions in the mouth and upper respiratory tract, potentially causing difficulty breathing and reduced food intake. Nodules on the eyes can interfere with vision, potentially leading to death.
How to manage it
• No direct treatment is available.
• Treating secondary bacterial or trichomonad infections can help dry lesions and minimise tissue damage.
• Birds that recover develop lifelong immunity.
• Avian pox can affect a wide variety of birds, including both domestic and wild birds.
Should you suspect your feathered friend has this disease, please contact your nearest vet immediately.
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