A Silent Struggle in the Skies: Pigeons vs. Pox

As a passionate animal lover and pigeon keeper, nothing is more concerning than seeing your feathered companions suffer from illness. One disease that has been affecting pigeons globally is Pigeon Pox ,a viral infection that, while not typically fatal, can severely impact the health and comfort of your flock if not identified and managed properly.

This article explores pigeon pox in detail: what it is, how it spreads, its symptoms, and most importantly, how to protect your birds from it. It also shares real-life treatment outcomes and veterinary insights, including expert guidance from Sangeeta Ma'am, bird specialist from the Zoology Department at Pragjyotish College.

What Is Pigeon Pox?

Pigeon pox is a slowly progressing viral disease caused by the Avipoxvirus, a member of the Poxviridae family. It commonly appears in two clinical forms:

Cutaneous (dry) form: Discrete, scabby lesions on unfeathered skin areas like eyelids, beak, and legs.

Diphtheritic (wet) form: Fibronecrotic lesions inside the mouth and throat, making eating and breathing difficult.

While generally self-limiting, the disease may be worsened by secondary bacterial infections, parasitism, or poor body condition (Singh et al., 1990).

Where Is Pigeon Pox Found?

The infection is reported worldwide, with higher incidence in tropical and subtropical regions. It’s particularly common in urban or poorly sanitized areas, and among unvaccinated birds. According to Mayahi et al. (2010), avian pox virus infections occur frequently in domestic poultry, pigeons, and canaries.

How Does It Spread?

Pigeon pox is mainly transmitted by:

1. Mosquito bites, especially in warm seasons with stagnant water sources.

2. Direct contact—through fighting or feather picking.

3. Contaminated surfaces such as feeders, perches, or shared water bowls (Doneley, 2006).

Case Study: An Outbreak and Successful Treatment

In January 2020, a group of five young pigeons from a flock of 120 were brought to the Veterinary University Training and Research Centre, Coimbatore, showing signs of lethargy, dehydration, and nodular lesions on the eyelids and beak. Within 10–12 days, 10 birds had died (8.3% mortality rate). The birds were unvaccinated.

Veterinary intervention included:

Isolation and disinfection using 1% sodium hypochlorite

Acyclovir @ 80 mg/kg every 8 hours for 8–10 days

Azithromycin @ 20 mg/kg twice daily to prevent bacterial infection

Vitamin A supplementation

Topical application of turmeric and neem paste on lesions

By the end of the first treatment week, lesions began to disappear, and no further mortality was reported. These results mirror findings from Hemanth et al. (2014) and Sudhakara & Sivajothi (2018), who also treated the dry form of pox in pigeons successfully with similar protocols.

Symptoms: How to Spot the Disease Early

Look out for the following signs:

Yellowish, crusty nodules on eyelids, beak, and corners of the mouth

Ocular discharge, conjunctivitis, and swelling

Depression, inappetence, weight loss

Difficulty flying or maintaining balance

Immediate isolation and supportive care are crucial.

How Pigeon Pox Infects Only Pigeons, Not Other Birds

According to a study by Siddique et al. (2011), pigeon pox virus (PPV-1) and fowl pox virus (FPV-2) exhibit host specificity. Chickens infected with PPV-1 did not show lesions, and pigeons exposed to FPV-2 remained unaffected. This finding is essential for designing effective species-specific vaccination programs.

Treatment and Prevention

While there is no specific antiviral for pigeon pox, supportive care ensures recovery:

Isolate infected birds

Disinfect lofts thoroughly

Use mosquito control methods like nets and repellents

Provide nutrient-rich diets

Vaccinate using the wing-web method—the most effective preventive tool

Getting help from experts like Sangeeta Ma'am from Pragjyotish College, who knows a lot about birds really help me to take a better care of my pigeons and spot diseases like pigeon pox .

Is Pigeon Pox Harmful to Humans?

No. Pigeon pox is species-specific and poses no risk to humans. Still, practice basic hygiene, such as handwashing and wearing gloves when handling sick birds.

The Emotional Toll on Pigeon Keepers

For anyone who loves and cares for pigeons, seeing them sick can be emotionally exhausting. But it's important not to panic. Most pigeons recover with timely intervention and a little extra care. Being observant and acting early makes a huge difference.

Connecting with fellow pigeon enthusiasts or local veterinarians can provide both emotional support and practical advice during outbreaks. Watching your birds suffer is heart-wrenching. But don't lose hope—most recover well with timely care. Connecting with experienced avian specialists and support groups can offer both comfort and guidance.

Pigeon pox may be a serious threat, but it is manageable with awareness, cleanliness, and vaccination. The more you know about the disease, the better prepared you are to protect your flock. As a pigeon lover, your vigilance and care are the first line of defense against any illness. With the right steps—and insights from veterinary science—you can keep your pigeons safe, healthy, and flying free.

Farzana Akhtar

Pragjyotish college

Department of communication and journalism.

Santipur -9

[email protected]