I Think My Hens Have Fowlpox

[kenziecluck]

I began noticing some white spots/scabs appearing on one of my hen's combs and have done some research on what it could possibly be. I initially thought maybe it was just a fungus, but it has now began showing on my other hens as well, leading me to think it is fowl pox.

Is there any "cure" or "fix" for this condition? The internet has led me to believe that there is not, but I am unsure.

Has anyone else experienced these issues with their flock, and if so what did you do? I have read that the eggs are still safe to eat, but I am also unsure on that front.

 

[kenziecluck]

@JohnnyCluck

 

[dawg53]

Yes, it looks like a mild case of Fowl Pox you're dealing with. It is a virus caused mainly by mosquitoes. You can apply iodine to the lesions in order to kill the virus and shrink the lesions. Avoid the eyes when using iodine. It will go away on its own in about 6 weeks.
Eggs are safe to eat, the virus cant be transmitted to humans. I've dealt with fowl pox.

 

[kenziecluck]

Thank you so much. Any recommendations on how frequently to apply iodine? Daily, multiple times a day, etc?

 

[Eggcessive]

That seems to be a fairly mild case, but I agree that is fowl pox. Here are some good links to read about fowl pox:
https://the-chicken-chick.com/fowl-pox-prevention-treatmen/

https://extension.msstate.edu/sites/default/files/publications/publications/p3131.pdf

The scabs of pox can remain infectious once they fall off, become powdery, and can be inhaled by other chickens. Mostly though, it is spread by the mosquito. It can spread slowly through the flock. The vaccine is used in some areas of the south where the strains seem more severe.