Abstract
This study aimed at proposing a new technical criteria for condemnation of turkey carcasses due to fowlpox in turkeys as a contribution for the work of the Brazilian Federal Meat Inspection Service. Skin samples from 30 carcasses of a flock of 840 turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo), previously vaccinated for fowlpox and slaughtered in June 2013, were collected. Samples were submitted to histological examination under light microscopy. The virus was identified using standard PCR techniques. The main histological findings were hyperplasia and hydropic degeneration of the epithelium and the presence of intracytoplasmic eosinophilic inclusion bodies. PCR results yielded 83.3% positive and 16.7% negative samples. Fowlpox virus is species specific, and there are no reports of its occurrence in mammals. The macroscopic and microscopic findings of the skin lesions do not justify the total condemnation of carcasses of poultry affected with fowlpox, except in cases of cachexia or repulsive appearance, as established by SIF regulation.
Highlights
IntroductionThe fowlpox virus or FPV is species specific and its nomenclature follows the affected species
Fowlpox is a disease caused by a Avipoxvirus belonging to the Poxviridae family
This study aimed at proposing a new technical criteria for condemnation of turkey carcasses due to fowlpox in turkeys as a contribution for the work of the Brazilian Federal Meat Inspection Service
Summary
The fowlpox virus or FPV is species specific and its nomenclature follows the affected species It has been isolated in avian species, such as chickens, turkeys, quails and canaries. The virus causes proliferative skin lesions, which are discrete and nodular in featherless skin areas (cutaneous form) or fibrin-necrotic and proliferative lesions in the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract, mouth and esophagus (mucosal or diphtheritic form) (Moço et al, 2008). Both types of lesion may be present in a same bird, characterizing the mixed form
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
