Duck pox is a specific instance of fowl pox, which is a viral infection that affects bird species worldwide. Fowl pox, including duck pox, is caused by avipoxviruses.
Key Aspects of Fowl Pox (Including Duck Pox)
- Viral Infection: Fowl pox is caused by viruses in the Avipoxvirus genus.
- Species Affected: While the question specifies duck pox, it's important to understand fowl pox affects various avian species. According to reference (1), this includes:
- Chickens
- Ducks
- Turkeys
- Geese
- Pheasants
- Quail
- Canaries
- Hawks
- Not Zoonotic: Mammals, including humans, cannot contract fowl pox. It is not the same as chicken pox.
- Global Distribution: Fowl pox is found in bird populations worldwide.
