Table of Contents
Introduction:
Pigeons are small, sturdy birds in the Columbidae family. Pigeons can eat everything they find in their environment since they are not picky. Given that these birds are particularly susceptible to various ailments, pigeon owners typically give them special attention. Diseases including diarrhea, flies, Coccidia, Worms, Hexamita, mites, Pigeon pox, and many more may infect pigeons. One of the most contagious illnesses is pigeon pox. I’ve covered some of the most essential details about pigeon pox in pigeons.
What is Pigeon Pox?
Pigeon pox is a particular strain of the pox virus that can result in ugly and highly unpleasant skin growths or deposits. Both raised flocks and feral pigeons are affected by it, and it most frequently happens during very humid summers or mild winters.
Types of Pigeon Pox
Two forms of pigeon pox should be recognized:
Pigeons with this kind of skin typically develop proliferative lesions around their eyes, beaks, and legs. The markings are very discernible.
The mucosa and pharyngeal cavity of the crop is affected by deposits in the mucosal type. Intake of food and water is typically impaired by this kind.
These are the two most prevalent types of pigeon pox seen all across the world. Pigeon pox is very contagious and may swiftly spread from one pigeon to another.
How Is Pigeon Pox Transmitted?
Pigeon pox is mostly spread by ingestion or breathing. It can, however, also penetrate open sores or wounds. Not to add that using unclean tools when hand-feeding newborn pigeons puts you at risk of unintentionally giving them pigeon pox. In addition, if a mosquito bites a pigeon, it will carry and spread the virus.
Pigeons kept in aviaries can transmit the virus among themselves quite easily. Therefore, it’s crucial to comprehend how to handle and prevent it.
Pigeon pox is carried by a variety of insects, however, some of the more frequent ones are as follows:
- Mosquitoes
- Flies
- Fleas
- Mites
- Midges
The method of pigeon pox transmission
As previously discussed, there are several vectors used to disseminate pigeon pox from bird to bird. The following example illustrates the most typical method of infection spread:
The virus from the diseased bird is passed to the vectors through the blood when they bite an infected bird, which happens often. Now that they have the same virus inside of them, these vectors may spread it to other birds by biting them. The amount of such vectors present in a particular region determines the rates of transmission from those vectors to a colony of birds or a habitat. Direct contact with the virus through contaminated food, water, feeders, drinkers, diseased birds, or other carriers of the virus is another way that pigeon pox is spread.
Another method of transmission is through the air; in a confined environment, the pigeon pox virus may occasionally mix with the air. This might cause a significant number of birds in that region to get ill. Spreads like these are quite uncommon.
How Do Pigeons Get Pigeon Pox?
Pigeon pox has an impact on pigeons on many different levels by resulting in numerous ills and discomforts. The following are some of the typical symptoms of pigeon pox in pigeons: A lot of birds have bumps on their legs, nares, beaks, feet, eyes, and all over their back and front. The majority of these bumps form in places devoid of feathers.
If these bumps are left untreated, there is a greater chance that several bacterial and fungal infections may develop into pustules. If the infection becomes severe, there is a good likelihood that it may injure several components of the eye, including the cornea and eyelids, and it may even result in cataracts. Pigeon pox may also harm pigeons by producing conjunctivitis. It indicates the growth of lesions in the bird’s feeding pipe. In many instances, the bird has trouble swallowing solid food and even has trouble drinking water and other liquid meals.
In addition to affecting various life-process operational systems, pigeon pox can result in major problems including loss of appetite.
- Low energy levels
- Pneumonia
- Loss of feathers or fluffed feathers
Different forms of Pigeon Pox
The Pigeon Pox Skin Form
Around the bird’s eyes, beak, and legs, the cutaneous form of pigeon pox causes tiny papules that eventually develop into thick, black scabs. You’ll be happy to learn that these scabs often come off rather fast, and the pigeons should be fully recovered by 4 weeks. This kind usually just causes inconvenience for a month and is not life-threatening.
The Mucosal Form of Pigeon Pox
The pharynx, larynx, trachea, and mouth membranes are all impacted by the mucosal form. This virus is often referred to as the “wet” variety. Why? because the lesions are soft and nearly mushy rather than firm and crusty. Sadly, this variety of pigeon pox is quite dangerous. Affected pigeons lose a lot of weight, quit feeding, have trouble breathing, and generally appear to be very sick. Asphyxiation, in which the lesions enlarge to clog the respiratory path, is the most common cause of death.
The Mixed Form
Pigeons can occasionally contract both kinds of pigeon pox. They will experience soft lesions and hard, crusty scabs here. Both kinds are typically seen among racing pigeons and people who live in poor conditions. In congested cages, fighting amongst the birds can help spread the disease.
How to Treat Pigeon Pox
Pigeon pox cannot currently be treated with an antiviral medication. There isn’t much that can be done if the pigeon’s condition deteriorates other than making an effort to make them as comfortable as possible. Having said that, veterinarians frequently recommend a specific antibiotic. The infection won’t be entirely eliminated by this. But it will aid in the battle against any other infections that can result from different skin proliferations. Additionally, you may try giving your bird vitamin A. Why? Due to the fact that it has a reputation for promoting the healing of skin lesions and abnormal growths on other parts of the body.
Important Reminder:
Don’t remove the lesions, especially those inside the pigeon’s mouth, despite how alluring it might be. Extreme bleeding may occur when you take them off.
How to Prevent Bird Pox
The best course of action when considering pigeon pox is to make every effort to prevent it. Fortunately, there are a few options available. First, vaccinate your pigeons! They can start receiving the vaccination as early as six weeks old if they so want. Your birds may often receive the PMV shot simultaneously. The second thing you must do is follow a tight routine for bird hygiene. Pigeon pox spreads far more readily in unclean and crowded environments. Invest in strategies that prevent mosquitoes from getting inside the house where your pigeons dwell if you live in an area where they are a problem. The virus is spread by mosquitoes quite fast. Lastly, always treat cuts and open wounds that you find on your birds. This will stop the infection from seeping into their bloodstream.
Conclusion
The viral infection that causes pigeon pox is exceedingly contagious in pigeons. The illness may swiftly move from one flock of birds to another and is simple to disseminate. It is crucial to maintain all protective measures for your birds and to provide appropriate care if they become ill. Pigeons are beautiful birds, and by keeping all necessary precautions, you can guard against a fatal sickness.