Turkey Poult Eye Infection

[PhilPalm]

Hi guys, so I returned home after a 2 day visit to family, only to find one of my poults with a very nasty swelling on its eye. The poults are 7-8weeks old, and semi free range. There doesnt seem to be any discharge, but she doesnt have use of the eye anymore, from a quick examination whatever it is seems to go into the eye socket, at first I thought the protruding thing may actually be the eyeball, but a on a second look I dont think it is. It is fleshy though, not hard, and well attached. I wiped it round with warm salt water and she is scratching at it but it wont come off. There are other sMaller spots on her head too. Please can anyone help with identification and cures? Thank you. Sorry the pics are a bit blurry.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Looks like fowl pox to me. It will run it's course in about 4-6 weeks. I've had them have their eye swollen shut, it always resolved. As long as one eye remains open so they can eat and drink they generally do fine.

 

[PhilPalm]

That is good to know.. DO u know what causes it, and is it contagious? SHould I quarantine the bird?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

That is good to know.. DO u know what causes it, and is it contagious? SHould I quarantine the bird?

It's a virus usually transmitted by mosquitoes. It is contagious, especially the lesions, that's why I personally don't mess with them. I never separated any and it affected only one or two out of my flock of 10-18. I've seen it twice in the last 8 years. Those that get it develop immunity. It will get worse before it gets better. You can quarantine, but I personally never bothered. I do make sure I dump standing water regularly so I can cut down on mosquitoes.