Abstract

Okwor, E. C., Eze, D. C.* and Agbo, I. C

The management of field outbreak of fowlpox in chickens was studied in a batch of 1050, five weeks old white cockerels. Post infection or emergency vaccination and the oral administration of antibiotics, and vitamins were investigated on how they can reduce the clinical parameter associated with fowl pox infections in chickens. Natural outbreak of fowlpox was observed in the birds at the age of five weeks and clinical signs of nodules and papules on the head and comb and the production of pocks on the chorio allantoic membranes (CAM) of embryonated chicken eggs was used to diagnose the infection. On observing the clinical signs, the birds were immediately divided into four groups. Group 1 received fowlpox vaccine only. Group 2 received the vaccine and Neoceryl® plus, a combination of antibiotics and vitamins. Group 3 received Neoceryl® plus only, while Group 4 did not receive any treatment. Birds in all the groups were monitored for the progress of the disease up to five weeks. Best results were obtained with birds in Group 2. This was closely followed by those in Group 1. Worst results were shown by birds in Group 4 and this was followed by those in Group 3. The result show s that post infection vaccination is good in the control of fowlpox in chickens especially when it is noticed early and a small percentage of the flock is infected. Controlling secondary bacterial infection and boosting immune responses with Neoceryl® plus played a good role.