Common names:
Fowlpox, canarypox, juncopox, mynahpox, pigeonpox, psittacinepox, quailpox, sparrowpox, starlingpox, and turkeypox viruses

The avipoxvirus poses a large threat to the poultry and fowl producing industries of Nebraska as well as native populations within the state.  Poxviral diseases of poultry and other domestic birds (canaries and pigeons) have significant economic impact world-wide with losses resulting from a drop in egg production in layers, reduced growth rates in broilers, blindness, and in some cases death.  Avipoxviruses are a large family of cytoplasmic DNA viruses that infect more than 60 species of wild birds representing 20 families. Fowlpox virus (FPV), the prototypical member of the Avipoxvirus genus, infects chickens and turkeys.  Although vaccination with live-attenuated and non-attenuated viruses can be used to control this disease, problems related to safety and efficacy of commercial FPV vaccines remain.  

Avipoxvirus canker on chicken comb