DEBILITATING CUTANEOUS POXVIRUS LESIONS ON 2 CAPTIVE HOUBARA BUSTARDS(CHLAMYDOTIS-UNDULATA)

Poxvirus was isolated from cutaneous nodules on two young Houbara bust ards (Chlamydotis undulata) bred in captivity in Saudi Arabia. Birds w ere emaciated and presented nodules on tibiotarso-tarsometatarsal join ts, toes, and the carpal joint. Diagnosis was confirmed by histopathol ogy, virus isolation on inoculated chorioallantoic membranes of embryo nated chicken's eggs, and electron microscopy. Progressive leg lesions were extensive and interfered with walking, significantly debilitatin g the birds. Successful excisions of these lesions were performed.