I think my flock has avian pox.....help please

[DDRanch]

I am trying not to panic. I have read the threads and seen the pictures and I think about 1/2 my flock is presenting with avian pox. I spend a lot of time with my girls so I am surprised and afraid of what I see this morning. I am reading this is a progressive disease so I have missed something.

I have had a signficiant egg production drop over the last 2 weeks, but attributed it to raging fires and record temperatures here in No CA. I have noticed some runny poop of late but again attributed to smoke,heat and extra greens and watermelon.

18 hens, 5 at 4 years old the rest 10 mo old pullets. All the pullets came at the same time from the same place. I have not added any birds to my flock. I am seeing the black spots and nodules pox on combs, wattles only on 1/2 of the pullets, particularily the 2 broody buffs. Especially the broodies.

Aside from the physical appearance of the black spots,and kinda white outlined nodules, they are all acting normally...even the broodys.

I change water feeders 2x a day and disinfect about once a week. Feed feeders about once a month.

Is there effective treatment? What should I do? I have a vet who will see chickens.
Anne

 

[dlhunicorn]

you must separate the ill ones from the rest as soon as symptoms show...
treat the lesions with iodine and be vigilent for signs of wet pox. Hopefully it will remain "dry"pox (external not internal) and all you can do for that is supportive measures and treat the lesions with iodine till it has run its course. Here is a good article:
http://www.spc.int/rahs/publication/leaflets/AHAL 01E.pdf

 

[DDRanch]

Update: My feed store expert reported my pullets were vacinated against Mereks but not avian flu. He also told me he has not seen avian/fowl flu in our area for decades.

I will post pictures later this afternoon so you good folks will have more information to advise me. (My husband away on a business trip has my camera)

dlhunicorn-I am treating with the iodine as you suggest. I hope you will take a look at the pics later this afternoon.

Anne

This has not been a good week for my little flock!!!

 

[DDRanch]

I have taken some pictures of 2 of my buffs. One has been broody for several weeks...not sure if that is important. The other recently has been acting broody and the others will chase and harass her.
What do you think? Is this avian pox? Do you need more pictures?

My silver and gold wyandottes have small black spots on combs. These 2 buff pullets are the worst. My delawares and five 4 year old hens are clean.




Mary Jane buff 10 mo old

Mary Kate buff 10 mo old

Notice spot on eye lid and cheek area

 

[DDRanch]

I don't mean avian flu.....I meant to say avian pox.

 

[Pine Grove]

These particular hens dont have pox..looks more like peck marks or Buffalo gnats have been biting them

 

[speckledhen]

I agree with William. Looks like peck marks. Lower ranking hens often have lots of them.

 

[DDRanch]

Oh, you have set my mind at ease. I have been so worried. These two hens have been quite harassed of late. I switched from iodine to an antibiotic cream. Would you agree with that?

In reading about avian pox, it sounds quite common, is that your experience?

Is the difference between my pics and kinnardmommy pic on the same topic the appearance of the white color around the spots?

Thank you for your help. I appreciate this site.
Anne

 

[dlhunicorn]

this is only two hens? and these two hens are also known to be bullied? I would not immediately jump to the conclusion it is pox either at this time.

 

[Pine Grove]

Quote:
Pox is real common in my area at least, I've vaccinated for the past 20 or so years..The difference in your pic and kinnardmommy's is the raised nodules on her birds combs..with pox a wart like blister always appears first then it scabs over, Yours appears to be just flat scabs on the comb