Promising treatment of avipoxvirus infections

Here is an interesting paper for those of you dealing with avian patients.  The study was presented at the 2011 Conference of the European Association of Avian Veterinarians.

*   *   *   *   *

A clinical trial of 162 captive birds of prey with poxvirus took place between 2008 and 2010. The Poxvirus infection was diagnosed by histopathology and PCR procedure. Booster Concentrate^® was administered orally in the food daily for 30-65 days. All the birds recovered from the infection uneventfully within 15-65. Clinical followup a year later shows new poxvirus cases continue to respond to Booster Concentrate.

 

*   *   *   *   *

The following is adapted from:

 “Medical Treatment of Avipoxvirus Infections in Birds of Prey”

M. García Montijano*, LV, J. García de la Fuente,** LV, I. Luaces,*** LV,

B. Palomares,* LV

*      Hospital de Rapaces Altai, Torrelaguna, Madrid, Spain

**   2 Roc Falcon S.L., Lleida, Spain

*** Gir diagnostics S.L.P.

Poxviruses are double-stranded DNA enveloped viruses that infect a wide spectrum of animals. Poxvirus infections in birds are caused by a large avipoxvirus. This infection (mostly dry form) is seen more frequently and considered common in falconry birds in Europe and Middle East. Until now most of the treatment options were surgical. Most birds died or were so disfigured they were euthanized.

One hundred sixty-two captive birds of prey of 10 species and their hybrids were included in this clinical trial, which took place between 2008 and 2010 in Spain. Birds were presented to a private raptor hospital or were captive bred at a large commercial breeding center. Booster Concentrate^® was administered orally in the food daily for 30 days in 148 birds and to a maximum of 65 days to the rest. Blood was obtained from these birds and processed and tested according to a protocol, before and after the treatment. Poxvirus infection was diagnosed by histopathology and PCR procedure.

Results

All the birds recovered from the infection uneventfully. Most of the small lesions disappeared within 15 days, and from 30 to 65 days were needed for the more complicated diphtheritic and cutaneous clinical cases.

Discussion

The antiviral action attributed to Booster Concentrate^® results from its ability to fluidize the lipids and phospholipids in the envelope of the virus, causing the disintegration of the microbial membrane. Booster Concentrate^® also interferes with virus assembly and viral maturation (HORNUNG et al. 1994).

Clinical followup a year later in these facilities shows the product is still successful, as new poxvirus cases continue to respond to Booster Concentrate^®.

 

Click here to download the full manuscript.