Fowl Pox?

[fowltemptress]

We moved to an area that has more mosquitoes than I've experienced before, so this isn't terribly unexpected. Where there's mosquitoes, nasty stuff happens. First, though, I want some opinions on what this is. I just automatically assumed fowl pox since that's transferred via mosquitoes and seems fairly common, but I don't want to keep assuming and treating it as though it is if I'm wrong. Second opinions? It seemed like one day she had a couple of bumps, then the next day it was all over her neck. I did have an all out war with mites or lice or something about a month ago (everything got coated in permethrine, I was out to destroy), and I check them often for that sort of stuff. I've checked everyone else and they seem fine for now. Several of my chickens are in various stages of molt, including her, so I really hate that she's having to deal with this now. I'm just happy she acts healthy and normal, but we all know how that can change.

 

[Enchanted Sunrise Farms]

It does look like fowl pox to me. i have had an outbreak on my farm. At this point, you just want to watch her to make sure it doesn't turn into wet pox. Check inside the mouth for that. You can dab iodine on a q-tip on the sores to dry them up. But for the most part, it just has to run its course. Keep her separated, and consider vaccinating the rest of your flock. You can buy the vaccine at Murray McMurray and it is just a stick on the under side of the wing, in the wing web. Once they go through a bout of this, or they are vaccinated, then you don't have to worry about it anymore.

 

[loralei]

Welcome to Texas where the mosquito is our national bird!!! lol

Dry pox just went thru my flock and it was no big deal. It's a virus so there's not much you can do. Just keep an eye on em for secondary infection, make sure they're eating, drinking, watch droppings. I let it spread thru the flock. Once they have it it is highly unlikely they will ever get it again. A couple of my girls developed wet pox. That can be devastating! I treated them with Tylan for 5 days which worked wonders! They were much improved after the first day. I still have all my precious little girls!

Godspeed,
Laura

 

[PunkinPeep]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=257709

This thread might be helpful to you. Same Texan mosquitoes. They can travel in spite of their weight.

 

[fowltemptress]

Quote:
Ugh, I know. I used to live near San Antonio where mosquitoes aren't a big deal, what with the constant drought. Now we're closer to Houston . . . Gah! I love how it rains enough that the grass is actually green, but the minute I noticed the blanket of mosquitoes covering my legs I just knew I was going to have problems with the chickens.

Thanks!

 

[pine top]

i am going thru pox now for the frist time ever out of 46 brids only 1 has wet pox so i feel lucky with that.
good luck whith yours

 

[fowltemptress]

Okay, the chicken pictured is recovering nicely, but another chicken has developed it. I wouldn't be worried except for the fact it's on her eye, and huge. Is there a chance it could cause serious eye damage?

 

[PunkinPeep]

Quote:
A secondary infection could cause problems, yes.

 

[dixiechick]

Quote:
A secondary infection could cause problems, yes.

I had a bird with both eyes covered in pox. Blinded her for 4 weeks. We brought her inside, kept an antibiotic savve on it and hand fed her 3 x a week for 4 weeks, and she recovered with no lasting issues.

The silver lining is that once they get fowl pox, they are immune to getting it again (like our chicken pox).

Be patient..you can last through it..