Canary Pox

Nutrition for birds varies depending on the type of bird that one may have as a pet.



However, birds also require a balanced diet that contains vitamins and minerals. Bird care involves providing the bird with a safe and clean environment wherein it is well looked after else if ignored, birds tend to become unwell both mentally and physically. Bird health is affected adversely if it is infected by the poxvirus which is also known as the canary pox as it is most common amongst domesticated canaries, wild birds and even young parrots.



The pox virus is of different types that are known to infect various bird species. However the canary pox in birds is known to affect canaries and those birds that interbreed with the canaries.

Canary pox is transmitted to a healthy bird via inhalation or ingestion of the virus. Additionally common household mosquitoes are also known to transmit the diseases to birds that are caged.



Similarly the canary pox virus is also known to enter into a bird’s body via an already existing open sore or wound. In case of young birds, the instruments that are used by their caretakers while feeding them if not properly sanitized may also transmit the virus which is known to have an incubation period of 5 – 10 days. The clinical signs of the canary pox include nodules that may develop on the bird in featherless areas such as the feet, beak and around the eyes. These nodules then further develop into pustules that’s may erupt forming scabs and may get additionally infected by external fungi or bacteria. Other symptoms of canary pox include conjunctivitis, loss of appetite, fluffed feather and overall lethargy in the bird. Canary pox in bird treatment is difficult as there are no medicines that are known to clear the virus entirely. So the treatment basically involves providing any supportive help to the infected bird to recover soon in the forms of dietary supplements or even anti biotics. The ideal way to ensure good health of one’s pet birds is to keep them shielded from mosquitoes by using screens. Canary pox virus vaccines may also be administered to healthy birds as a preventive treatment. Additionally when handling multiple young birds, ensure that the feeding equipment is different for each bird. Additionally any visible open sores on the bird should be treated immediately to prevent a possible infection by the canary pox virus.