Pathogen

There are many different avian pox viruses that are fairly species-specific. This means that the avian pox virus found in one bird species is usually different from the one found in another bird species.

Susceptible species

Various bird species, including the Black Crow, Jackdaw, Magpie, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Starling, House Sparrow, Dunnock, and Great Tit.

Signs in animals

Avian pox can occur on the legs, beak, head, or elsewhere on the skin (called the dry form or cutaneous form), but it can also cause internal abnormalities (including mucous membranes, trachea, and lungs) (wet form). In the cutaneous form, the avian pox tumors may have a wart-like and/or irregular proliferation or be more ‘spherical’ in shape. This latter form is often seen in Great Tits.

Infection of animals

The virus can enter the body via biting/stinging arthropods, such as mosquitoes, or through damaged skin.

Geographical distribution

Birds with pox are observed throughout the year. During periods when there are many biting and stinging insects, a birdpox outbreak can occur.

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