Pigeon Pax

Pigeon Pox

Cause and Symptoms - Pigeon pox is caused by a virus that is generally carried by mosquitoes and other biting insects. When a non-resistant pigeon is bitten by a carrier parasite, the virus enters the bloodstream of the bird, and within five to seven days, small whitish wart-like lesions appear on the head, feet, legs, and beak areas. These deposits can grow to become large yellowish bumps which, if removed, may ooze blood. In time, these lesions will dry and fall off, so it is our advice to leave them alone.

Prevention - Other than using the pigeon pox vaccines, no remedy is acceptable. Controlling the mosquito and fly populations in and around one's loft may be helpful, but the only sure way to prevent pox is to vaccinate.