help! flock has wet pox

[chuckEboy]

I have pretty well determined my flock has wet pox. You can read my previous threads to see what lead me to this. I have looked at pics and read some threads concerning this but my birds aren't as far gone as the pics I saw. I would like some direction on what to do as far as treatment to help them through this. I would appreaciate any helpful advice from someone with experience with this. Thanks

 

[Eggcessive]

Could you post a close-up picture of a chicken with pox? Why do you think they have wet pox? Most pox is dry pox, which is a virus spread by mosquitoes in warm weather, and the scabs can last up to 4 weeks. There is no treatment for pox. Wet pox or the diphtheric form, causes yellow patches in the throat, airway, esophagus, and it can block the airway. It is painful and chickens may not eat. Look into the beak and throat with a flashlight for these patches. If there is pox in or around eyes, an antibiotic ointment may help prevent eye infection. If your chickens are having noisy respirations, they could be suffering from a respiratory disease. Here is a list of common respiratory diseases and some links on fowl pox:
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ps044
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/avian-pox-how-to-treat-your-chickens-for-avian-pox
http://www.hyline.com/aspx/redbook/redbook.aspx?s=5&p=35
http://www.merckmanuals.com/vet/poultry/fowlpox/fowlpox_in_chickens_and_turkeys.html
http://www.thepoultrysite.com/publications/1/egg-quality-handbook/195/fowl-pox

 

[chuckEboy]

I will post some close up pics tomorrow. I live in south louisiana and the weather get cold then back warm in the winter months. Mosquitos are a constant problem. I read that the dry pox can turn into wet pox and they have some yellow mucus coming out of nostril and gargling sounds when breathing . A few are looking like they are having some balance issues or walking funny.

 

[Eggcessive]

The yellow mucus drainage and gurgling really sound more like a respiratory disease. MG (mycoplasma,) coryza, and ILT are some ones to read about in the link http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ps044
Do you notice a bad odor around the face? That could point to coryza. It's possible to have a respiratory disease going on at the same time as dry pox, or even as a secondary infection. Tylan 50 injectable is a very good antibiotic to give for MG, and to prevent secondary infections. It can be used both as a shot or given orally. Dosage is 0.2 ml per pound of weight daily for 3-5 days. For coryza, sulfa drugs such as Sulfadimethoxine or Sulmet are good to use in the water.

 

[chuckEboy]

I will check for a smell and take some close ups tomorrow. Thanks so much! I sure hope I dont loose any of them. I am so attached to them.

 

[Eggcessive]

Try to read the links about the respiratory diseases and pox. There are pictures of examples, and much information to look at.

 

[chuckEboy]

Ok I read alot of information! Woo my head is spinning! I went to local feed stores and only found Oxytetracycline. I would like to give this to them individually with a syringe in their mouths so I know they are each getting the right amount since they pretty much free graze. I found an amount for turkeys at 25 mg/lb. Would this be the same for chickens? I also bought a couple packets of vitamins& electrolytes that I wanted to put in their water. Can I do this at the same time?