These diphtheria-like symptoms might include diphtheric necrotic membranes lining the mouth and the upper respiratory tract.

Exterior lesions usually are restricted to the nonfeathered parts of the body, especially the face and legs, where there is the characteristic proliferative and necrotizing dermatitis.

[4] Another feature of this bird pox that has been observed is the presence of blood sacs or blisters filled with bloody fluid that will collapse when pierced with a needle and allowed to drain.

[5] This virus has the highest mortality rate in upland game birds such as pheasant, quail, and chukar partridge, as well as in songbirds, seabirds such as gulls, parrots, and some raptors such as the peregrine falcon.

Its prevalence among wild populations is unknown due to lack of studies It is most common in temperate (warm and humid) climates.

The United States Geological Survey has reported an increased number of cases in multiple countries with new affected bird species added in recent years.

For example, in California and Oregon, prevalence is lowest in the dry summer months than the wetter seasons of autumn and winter.

[8] Lesions of the skin and diphtheritic membrane of the respiratory tract are common when domesticated and wild birds are infected with the Avipoxvirus.

[10] Diphtheritic, or wet, pox are characterized as raised yellow blemishes on mucous membranes of the mouth, esophagus, trachea, and lungs.

[10] The infection of Avipoxvirus can lead to decreased egg production, reduced growth, blindness, and increased mortality in domestic poultry.

In wild bird species, elevated predation, secondary infections, trauma, reduced male mating success, and death are common results.

[9] Avian pox viruses are contagious pathogens, and once introduced into a captive community, can spread very quickly.

[8] Vaccines have been developed from some species of the virus, such as Fowlpox, Canarypox, Pigeonpox, and Quailpox to help prevent infection in captive and domestic bird populations.

[9] Often the avipoxvirus acts as an immune suppressant, leading to secondary bacterial infections, which are recommended for treatment.

[9] Currently, vaccination is not a plausible method of control for wild bird populations, where avipoxvirus is most prevalent.

Assembly of progeny virions starts in cytoplasmic viral factories, producing a spherical immature particle.