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Fowlpox is an old viral poultry disease that frequently affects backyard flocks. It is found worldwide and was first described as early as the 17th century. It is most commonly seen in chickens and turkeys, but almost every bird species can become infected including wild birds and indoor birds like canaries.

Erysipelas is found worldwide and most commonly affects turkeys. Fighting, picking, and artificial insemination in birds like broad-breasted turkeys are risk factors for contracting erysipelas because they all have the potential to create lacerations.

Marek’s Disease Virus (MDV) is one of the best-known poultry diseases. It causes tumors and immunosuppression in mainly chickens, but is occasionally seen turkeys and quail.

Infectious bursal disease (IBD) is an interesting viral disease that is seen in young chickens and turkeys. It attacks the bursa of Fabricius, an immune organ found in birds that aids in B-cell maturation.

Omphalitis is a fairly common infection, also known as mushy chick disease or yolk sac infection, and it occurs in the first few days of a bird’s life. It is seen most commonly in artificially hatched eggs and is associated with contaminated eggs or incubators.