Disease sheet · NEXTEKCI School
Fowl pox
avian pox · avian diphtheria (wet form)
A viral disease spread mainly by mosquitoes and wounds, common in the rainy season. It forms scabs on the comb and head; its form in the beak and throat is more serious as it hinders breathing and eating. It lingers over time and slows growth and laying.
Type
virus
Severity
moderate
Who is affected
Coloured chickens, layers, birds kept for a long time; broilers as well.
Most affected age
All ages, especially growing and adult birds.
Signs to look for
- •Small pimples, then brown scabs on the comb, wattles, around the eyes and beak.
- •Scabs sometimes on the legs.
- •Wet form: yellowish patches in the beak and throat, difficulty breathing and eating.
- •Eyes swollen or closed by scabs.
- •Slower growth; in layers, a drop in laying.
How it spreads
- •Mosquito bites, more frequent in the rainy season.
- •Wounds (fighting, feather pecking) in contact with scabs from sick birds.
- •Scabs shed into litter and dust, which stay infectious for a long time.
Not to be confused with
- •Wounds from fighting or pecking
- •Infectious coryza (swollen face)
- •Sticktight fleas on the comb
Prevention
- •Vaccination following the protocol of the vet in your area.
- •Mosquito control: no standing water around the house, surroundings cleared of weeds.
- •Avoid wounds: correct stocking density, prevention of feather pecking.
- •Cleaning and downtime between flocks.
What to do if you suspect it
- •Call the vet in your area to confirm and decide on the next steps.
- •Isolate the most affected birds.
- •Make sure sick birds can drink and eat.
- •Step up mosquito control around the house.
This sheet helps you recognise the disease and react quickly. It does not replace the veterinarian: only they can diagnose and prescribe a treatment. Worried about your flock? Write to us on WhatsApp at +225 05 44 83 27 79.
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