Poxvirus infection of the white-tailed tropicbird (Phaethon lepturus) in Bermuda

Lesions caused by an avian poxvirus were identified on the face and nares of fledgling white-tailed tropicbirds (Phaethon lepturus catesbyi) in the natural environment on Bermuda. Between 1958 and 1978, 6 of 81 fledglings found off the nest and unable to fly at departure time had lesions suggestive of poxvirus infection. More detailed nest-site surveys from 1974 to 1978 indicated an overall prevalence of less than 0.5%, involving the fledgling population only.