First-of-season: Avian Pox

We had a busy morning despite the overcast skies and gentle breeze. Luckily, coffee and donuts kept us fueled and warm! 

OCWA with Avian Pox

We captured a hatch-year Orange-crowned Warbler that showed signs of an active Avian Pox infection (photo right). Avian Pox is an avian specific infection caused by a virus that results in growths on the birds skin (particularly around the eyes, ears, feet and legs); some severe infections cause lesions in the respiratory tract. It's one of the oldest known avian diseases and is known to impact >230 birds species. Biting insects like mosquitoes are the predominate vector for the disease, though direct contact with an infected bird or contaminated object (for example, a bird feeder) are also responsible for the spread of the disease. We typically see a few cases of Avian Pox every season and do our best to reduce transmission by cleaning ourselves and our equipment regularly, and after infected birds. The Orange-crowned Warbler we captured appeared to be in good body condition and health despite the active infection on its feet that have already resulted in the partial loss of a couple toes.