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Atypical distribution of fowl pox lesions in broilers
C G Sentíes-Cué1, B R Charlton, P Woolcock
1California Animal Health & Food Safety Laboratory System, Turlock Branch, University of California-Davis, 1550 N. Soderquist, Turlock, CA 95381, USA. gsenties@ucdavis.edu
Avian Diseases
|February 15, 2011
Summary
An unusual fowl pox outbreak in broilers presented with scratch-associated skin lesions, distinct from typical presentations. This case highlights a unique manifestation of avian poxvirus in poultry.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Avian Diseases
- Virology
Background:
- Fowl pox is a viral disease affecting poultry, typically presenting with characteristic lesions.
- Outbreaks can cause significant economic losses in broiler chickens.
- The typical transmission routes involve direct contact or insect vectors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report an unusual presentation of fowl pox in broiler chickens.
- To investigate the cause and characteristics of a localized outbreak.
- To differentiate this outbreak from typical fowl pox cases.
Main Methods:
- Histopathology for lesion analysis.
- Viral isolation for pathogen identification.
- Direct electron microscopy for viral morphology.
Main Results:
- An outbreak of fowl pox occurred in 8-wk-old broilers in California.
- Lesions were proliferative, scratch-associated, and confined to feathered areas, excluding head, legs, and feet.
- Affected birds experienced 15% condemnation rates due to skin lesions.
Conclusions:
- The unusual distribution of lesions suggests a strong association with skin scratches rather than insect transmission.
- This represents a unique presentation of fowl pox in the United States.
- Further investigation into non-vector-borne transmission of fowl pox may be warranted.
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