author(s)
Bhavesh Sharma, Nawab Nashiruddullah, Jafrin Ara Ahmed, Sankalp Sharma and D Basheer Ahamad

abstract
A Fowlpox virus (FWPV) and another Pigeonpox virus (PGPV) isolate of domestic fowl and pigeon origin were reciprocally infected in both chicks and pigeon squabs to evaluate their host pathogenicity. The FWPV isolate could infect chicks but failed to produce infection in squabs, whereas the PGPV could infect squabs but failed to infect chicks. FWPV developed characteristic pox lesions in chicks within 7-10 days post infection with a latency of 4-6 days. FWPV induced lesions progressed through a mild subcutaneous oedema, Popular to pustule-like swellings, transformed to scabs, spread to nearby areas and later shed and healed by a month’s duration post-inoculation. Similarly, pigeon squabs inoculated with PGPV developed characteristic pox lesions (pustules) within 5-10 days post infection with a latency of 5-6 days until visible development of lesions characterized progressively from macular lesions to raised popular, pustule-like swellings that were larger and numerous than those in chicks infected with FWPV inoculum. These lesions spread to nearby areas, formed scabs and healed after a month’s time. No diphtheritic form was observed in any birds with either FWPV or PGPV isolates. Scabs lesions from both chicks and squabs were confirmed by amplification of the partial P4b gene of Avipoxvirus. It was concluded that FWPV and PGPV are host-specific as cross infection under controlled conditions did not occur. It is also speculated that natural transmission of avian pox between chicken and pigeons are therefore unlikely.