Although we do not claim to be veterinarians here at the World of Wings, we do want to help people understand the importance of proper care for all our feathered friends. We will periodically place helpful articles on various pigeon diseases. Our first introduction article will be on the Avian Paramyxovirus—Type 1 (called PMV-1). The information about this virus, as well as the proper vaccination from Dr. Karen Burns from Lohmann Animal Health, the makers of the PMV-1 vaccine. We hope you find this information useful in the care of your pigeons. Our next article will cover pigeon pox. Thank you for visiting our web site!
Randy Goodpasture
General Manager
PIGEON POX
Pigeon Pox is a mosquito-borne infection. The disease progresses very fast in infected birds but spreads slowly from bird to bird. The virus causes damage in the skin and mucus membrane tissues. The lesion on the skin forms as a wart-like nodule followed by a scab. The scab usually lasts three to four weeks. When the mucous membrane tissue is involved, the disease is called wet pox. Pigeon pox is not a threat to humans.
The pigeon pox virus is found throughout the world. It is more of a problem around water where mosquitoes breed and in warmer climates. All ages and breeds of pigeons can become infected with pox. Since there is no effective treatment we must rely on vaccination to control the disease.
Although vaccines are mild and safe, there are some precautions we should follow. As with any vaccine, always read the directions and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. Only use vaccines made for pigeons. MBL produces Acti/Vac PP for control of pigeon pox.
Since the vaccine is a live, attenuated virus, if it is mishandled you can kill the vaccine virus and not get a true vaccination. Store vaccine in a refrigerator below 45 degrees Fahrenheit until you are ready to use it. Reconstitute the vaccine with the diluent included. Use the entire contents when the vial is first opened. Storing the vaccine in the refrigerator after opening will not prevent the virus from dying. Dead vaccine will not immunize and protect your birds. Vaccine should not be used if the expiration date has expired.
Healthy birds, four weeks of age and older can be vaccinated. Immunity is not permanent; therefore, birds should be revaccinated yearly. Vaccine should be applied to four or five defeathered follicles on the leg or breast. The vaccinated area will swell and may form a scab in about seven days. This is an indication that the bird was properly vaccinated and is called a “take”. Failure to form swelling or a scab may suggest killed vaccine, improper application, or that the bird was already immune to pox. Birds should be checked for “takes’. Those without “takes” should be revaccinated.
Birds should not be receiving treatment for other diseases or worms at the time of vaccinating. All susceptible birds should be vaccinated at the same time. If not, the vaccine will spread to the susceptible birds. Do not race birds for four weeks after vaccinating. This is necessary to prevent spread to other birds and to allow the birds to recover from the vaccine. Since we are giving the birds a mild disease, their performance and feed intake may be affected. Racing birds before recovery may result in lost birds or poor performance.
Any time we handle birds we are causing stress to the bird. The goal in handling birds should be to produce the least amount of stress. This includes handling them gently, being quite and calm, and vaccinating during the coolest time of the day.
If you do have a pox outbreak, you can vaccinate, as a last resort, to help reduce the spread of disease. All non-infected birds should be vaccinated and segregated from infected birds.
-Vaccinate only healthy birds, 4 weeks of age and older
`Vaccinate all susceptible birds simultaneously
-Immunity develops in 3 to 4 weeks
-Store vaccine in a refrigerator below 7 degrees Celsius (45 degrees Fahrenheit)
-During periods of hot weather, vaccinate birds during the coolest part of the day
-Vaccinate before mosquito season where possible
-Do not rehydrate vaccine until ready to use
-Use entire contents when a vial is first opened
-Apply to 4 or 5 defeathered follicles on the breast or leg
-Examine each bird for a vaccine “take”
-Revaccinate birds without a “take”
-Do not treat birds for worms or other diseases when vaccinating
-This is a live virus and it can spread from bird to bird
-Do not race birds for 4 weeks after vaccinating
-The vaccine can cause feather discoloration in show birds
-Do not vaccinate within 21 days before slaughter in meat birds