Avian pox in falcons
Other names: Falcon pox، Judra، Pox، Pimples on the leg and face
Symptoms
- Pimples/scabs on skin not covered by feathers: around the eye, beak and feet
- A wet (diphtheritic) form in the mouth and throat
- Difficulty swallowing or seeing
Diagnosis
Clinical appearance + biopsy/histopathology/PCR.
Treatment
Supportive care, thermal cautery of lesions in some centres, an antibiotic for secondary infection as the vet directs. A live pigeon pox vaccine has been used in hunting falcons in Bahrain. Treatment must be under the supervision of a veterinarian specialised in birds of prey; doses are determined by weight, species and examination results.
Prevention
Mosquito control (nets/safe repellents), isolate the infected bird, vaccination as the vet directs.
Season
Linked to the mosquito season (an estimate; confidence: low). Prevalence 2.7% in Kuwait and 2.3% in Dubai; foot lesions are more common.
Treatment and doses are decided by an avian vet after an exam; Zajel does not publish doses.