Proteolytic versus surgical removal: the therapeutic effect of fig tree latex (Ficus carica L) on cutaneous and diphtheric forms of avian pox in pigeons (Columba domestica)

Abstract

The therapeutic effect of topical applications of fig tree latex (Ficus carica) on avian pox lesions in pigeon (Columba domestica) in comparison with surgical dressing and topical application of tetracycline ointment 3% were evaluated. Fifteen infected pigeons with mixed infection of both cutaneous and diptheric forms of pox have typical lesions on head, eyelids, inside mouth, cere, base of beak, legs, and feet were used in this study. Birds were divided into three equal groups (5 birds) for each group. Group one (G¹) was treated twice daily (BID) with tetracycline ointment 3% applied directly on the lesions, after cleaning of the lesions and removal of the external scabs. Group two (G²) was treated once a day (during night only), for ten successive days with fig tree latex applied directly on lesions. Group three (G³) was left without treatment as a control group. The activity of the birds, consumption of feed, regression of nodules was monitored daily till the end of the experiment. In both G¹ and G³ groups, the pox lesions remained as they were (persisted as such and did not regressed). The activity of the birds fastly declined from unable to fly, to limited movement, depression, decrease feeding and death within 6 days from the beginning of treatment. The fig tree latex (G²) treated birds survived, the activity of the birds and consumption of the feed increased from the 4 th day of treatment. The pox lesions regressed and atrophied and disappeared within 10 days of treatment and by this time all birds returned to the normal life. In conclusion, the fig tree latex has beneficial effect in treating the pox lesions with unclear mechanisms of action.