The outbreak of pox disease among pigeons has raised concern among pigeon lovers and rearers in Tiruchi district.
The polyclinics run by the Department of Animal Husbandry in Tiruchi district particularly at Palakarai on Madurai road are reported to have received many pigeons affected with pox during the last few days. Increased incidence of pigeon pox is noticed in and around Adavathur, where pigeons are reared in large numbers.
“Many pigeons have been affected with pox. We are really worried as the disease has occurred in flocks,” says A. Sundaramurthy, pigeon rearer in Adavathur, who brought a bird for treatment at the polyclinic in Palakarai on Wednesday.
Dr. Ganesh Kumar, veterinarian, told The Hindu that changes in weather condition could have caused the disease among pigeons. “If a bird was affected with the disease, the virus would quickly spread to other birds in flocks. Mortality rate would be high if the pox was noticed in the mouth. If the pox was noticed on the outer body, the birds could be saved if proper treatment was given. The virus does not affect humans,” he said.
