FOWLPOX VIRUSES Meaning and
Definition
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Fowlpox viruses are a group of viruses that infect birds, particularly chickens and other poultry species. They belong to the avipoxvirus genus, which is a branch of the Poxviridae family. Fowlpox viruses are known to cause a contagious and often severe disease called fowlpox, also referred to as avian pox or avipox. This disease primarily affects the skin and mucous membranes of infected birds.
Fowlpox viruses are characterized by their large, brick-shaped particles that contain double-stranded DNA. The viral particles are typically oval or elliptical in shape, with a diameter of around 250-350 nanometers. The virus can persist in the environment for relatively long periods, remaining viable for up to several months, mainly in scabs or dried lesions.
Transmission of fowlpox viruses occurs through direct contact with infected birds, as well as through ingestion of contaminated feed or water. Mosquitoes and other biting insects can act as mechanical vectors, transmitting the virus from infected to susceptible birds.
Once a bird becomes infected, fowlpox viruses cause the formation of nodular lesions on the skin, mucous membranes, and other tissues. These lesions progress from small, raised nodules to larger, scabbed or wart-like masses. Infected birds may exhibit various clinical signs, including decreased feed intake, weight loss, respiratory distress, and reduced egg production in laying hens.
Prevention and control measures for fowlpox viruses mainly consist of vaccination programs, biosecurity measures, and mosquito control. Vaccines containing live attenuated or inactivated viruses are commonly used to prevent the disease in susceptible flocks.
Common Misspellings for FOWLPOX VIRUSES
- dowlpox viruses
- vowlpox viruses
- gowlpox viruses
- towlpox viruses
- rowlpox viruses
- fiwlpox viruses
- fkwlpox viruses
- flwlpox viruses
- fpwlpox viruses
- f0wlpox viruses
- f9wlpox viruses
- foqlpox viruses
- foalpox viruses
- foslpox viruses
- foelpox viruses
- fo3lpox viruses
- fo2lpox viruses
- fowkpox viruses
- fowppox viruses
- fowopox viruses
Etymology of FOWLPOX VIRUSES
The word "Fowlpox" is derived from the combination of "fowl" and "pox".
"Fowl" refers to domesticated birds such as chickens, turkeys, and ducks. It originates from the Old English word "fugol", which means "bird". Over time, the term "fowl" became specifically associated with birds raised for their meat or eggs.
"Pox" refers to a viral disease characterized by skin eruptions or lesions. The term comes from the Old English word "pocs", which means "pustule" or "pimple". It is also related to the Latin word "pustula" with a similar meaning.
When these two words are combined, "Fowlpox" refers to the viral disease that affects domesticated birds, causing skin lesions and other symptoms.
