Vol. 10, Issue 12, Part H (2025)

Author(s): AP Surendar, KM Palanivel, S Saravanan, R Gopala Krishnamurthy and M Dharani

Abstract: Fowl pox is a contagious viral disease of poultry caused by avipox virus and remains an important constraint in both organized and backyard poultry production systems. The diphtheritic or respiratory form of the disease is associated with respiratory distress, reduced productivity, and occasional mortality. Backyard poultry, typically maintained under free-range conditions with limited biosecurity, may function as reservoirs for Fowl Pox Virus (FPV), enabling virus persistence and transmission. The present investigation evaluated the molecular epidemiology of respiratory fowl pox virus in backyard poultry farms of Namakkal district, Tamil Nadu, during the period from June 2016 to April 2017. A total of 239 samples were collected from 117 backyard poultry farms and subjected to virus isolation in specific pathogen-free embryonated eggs, followed by molecular confirmation using PCR targeting the P4b gene. FPV was detected in 21 samples originating from 10 farms, indicating a farm-level positivity of 62.5% among suspected flocks. A higher occurrence was observed in birds below 24 weeks of age, unvaccinated flocks, and birds maintained under free-range systems. The findings demonstrate active circulation of respiratory FPV in backyard poultry and underscore the necessity for molecular surveillance and strengthened preventive measures.

DOI: 10.22271/veterinary.2025.v10.i12h.2876