What is "canarypox"

n. A viral disease of birds.

Canarypox virus (CNPV) is an Avipoxvirus and etiologic agent of canarypox, a disease of wild and captive birds that can cause significant losses. Canarypox can enter human cells, but it cannot survive and multiply in human cells. There is a live viral vaccine available which may have beneficial properties against human cancer when used as a mammalian expression vector. ( ATCvet code: ). Furthermore, the POXIMUNE® C vaccine does offer direct protection against CNPV in susceptible birds.

Generally CNPV is considered a disease of songbirds for example, canaries, magpies and nightingales and is associated with higher mortality rates when compared to other avian pox viruses. In some instances, mortality approaches 100%. Avian pox viruses also cause significant economic losses in domestic poultry and remains a problem in the conservation of endemic bird species inhabiting islands.

The general symptoms of CNPV are similar to other species of avian pox viruses and are characterised by pustules and diphtheria or pneumonia like symptoms.