Abstract:Fowlpox is an acute and highly contagious disease caused by the fowlpox virus.The disease manifests in several clinical forms,including cutaneous,mucosal,and mixed types.The cutaneous type is characterized by the appearance of acne-like lesions on the head,comb,wattles,and featherless or less-feathered areas under the wings,which progress to scabs and eventually shed.The mucosal type is marked by necrotizing inflammation of the oral and pharyngeal mucosa,forming of pseudomembranes.Although the mortality rate of fowlpox is generally low,the disease can significantly affect infected chickens by slowing growth,reducing egg production,and lowering hatchability.Secondary infections with other pathogens and poor feeding conditions,including malnutrition,can exacerbate the disease,potentially leading to large-scale mortality.Immunization is the primary method for preventing and controlling fowlpox.However,large-scale outbreaks have continued in recent years.Analysis of clinical cases indicates that poor feeding environments are a major contributing factor to these outbreaks.Therefore,to enhance disease prevention and control,it is essential to strengthen feeding management,conduct regular environmental disinfection,maintain proper ventilation,and strengthen the overall health and immunity of the chickens.
