Well, the pox has hit my flock of 21 birds; about 6 are affected.
For info about it, see this BYC info here:
http://images.google.com/imgres?img...w=112&prev=/images?q=fowl+pox&um=1&hl=en&sa=N
My hens with combs (Production reds) seem to have gotten the dry form, which is much like chicken pox on kids.
My Easter-eggers (no comb) seem to get the wet form, which is hideously pus-y in the eyes, and I understand it can spread to the lining of the nose, throat, and mouth.
These birds are more livestock than pets, although I do not want them to suffer, and have already euthanized one bird who seemed to be having difficulty breathing (poor thing, layed her last egg for me 15 minutes before she gasped for her last breath).
My country vet said this is just something that will have to pass, but I could give antibiotics to treat secondary infections in the wet pox. He also said vaccinating the remaining birds would not help, since there seem to be a lot of different strains of this pox out there. Do any of ya'll have thoughts on that?
He said treating any of the lesions or treating the wet birds would mostly be liking pushing an elevator button a second time; it keeps you busy while the event is naturally taking it's course. Old-timers at the feed store say to put shoe polish or marks-a-lot on the pox marks, but I think that just covers them up so you don't have to look at them; they didn't know if that was an old-wives tale or if it really has merit.
As for separating the birds, he said that most of them who are going to get it are probably already infected, so he would only separate the ones who are slinging a lot of pus from their eyes. From what I've read, this virus can persist a LONG time even when dry, and the scabs are literally viral hotbeds for weeks after they fall off. That means I have it all over the yard, because they free-range every night after I come home from work.
So, my thought was that if I was going to separate the flock, wouldn't it be smartest to move the HEALTHY birds to a new, less-infected area? I don't have a secure set up for other birds, though, and I would hate to move the healthy birds to a place where varmints could get them. What do you think about those ideas?
Also, does anyone have any idea about EFFECTIVE mosquito control? I run an organic, pesticide-free yard (except for DE) and don't want to start spraying anything, even pyrethrins. I know bug-zappers don't work, because mosquitoes are not attracted to light. I was wondering if anyone has any idea about those CO2 generators, and if any of them really work?
Lastly, I am very concerned now that my wild-bird population is going to get this hideous plague. I have loved having a backyard flock; they are clean, have always been healthy, and there isn't even any smell which comes from their roomy coop/chunnel (about 500 square feet for 21 birds). To think that I could be affecting wild birds, who will take this on their migration, is almost more than I can bear.
If anyone has lived through an outbreak in a moderate-sized flock, I would love to hear from you.
For info about it, see this BYC info here:
http://images.google.com/imgres?img...w=112&prev=/images?q=fowl+pox&um=1&hl=en&sa=N
My hens with combs (Production reds) seem to have gotten the dry form, which is much like chicken pox on kids.
My Easter-eggers (no comb) seem to get the wet form, which is hideously pus-y in the eyes, and I understand it can spread to the lining of the nose, throat, and mouth.
These birds are more livestock than pets, although I do not want them to suffer, and have already euthanized one bird who seemed to be having difficulty breathing (poor thing, layed her last egg for me 15 minutes before she gasped for her last breath).
My country vet said this is just something that will have to pass, but I could give antibiotics to treat secondary infections in the wet pox. He also said vaccinating the remaining birds would not help, since there seem to be a lot of different strains of this pox out there. Do any of ya'll have thoughts on that?
He said treating any of the lesions or treating the wet birds would mostly be liking pushing an elevator button a second time; it keeps you busy while the event is naturally taking it's course. Old-timers at the feed store say to put shoe polish or marks-a-lot on the pox marks, but I think that just covers them up so you don't have to look at them; they didn't know if that was an old-wives tale or if it really has merit.
As for separating the birds, he said that most of them who are going to get it are probably already infected, so he would only separate the ones who are slinging a lot of pus from their eyes. From what I've read, this virus can persist a LONG time even when dry, and the scabs are literally viral hotbeds for weeks after they fall off. That means I have it all over the yard, because they free-range every night after I come home from work.
So, my thought was that if I was going to separate the flock, wouldn't it be smartest to move the HEALTHY birds to a new, less-infected area? I don't have a secure set up for other birds, though, and I would hate to move the healthy birds to a place where varmints could get them. What do you think about those ideas?
Also, does anyone have any idea about EFFECTIVE mosquito control? I run an organic, pesticide-free yard (except for DE) and don't want to start spraying anything, even pyrethrins. I know bug-zappers don't work, because mosquitoes are not attracted to light. I was wondering if anyone has any idea about those CO2 generators, and if any of them really work?
Lastly, I am very concerned now that my wild-bird population is going to get this hideous plague. I have loved having a backyard flock; they are clean, have always been healthy, and there isn't even any smell which comes from their roomy coop/chunnel (about 500 square feet for 21 birds). To think that I could be affecting wild birds, who will take this on their migration, is almost more than I can bear.
If anyone has lived through an outbreak in a moderate-sized flock, I would love to hear from you.
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