Fatal Pox Infection in a Rough-Legged Hawk

Authors

G. L. Pearson, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
D. A. Pass, University of Guelph
E. C. Beggs, University of Guelph

Date of this Version

4-1975

Comments

Published in Journal of Wildlife Diseases Vol. 11, April, 1975.

Abstract

Natural pox infection occurred in a free-living rough-legged hawk (Buteo lagopus) in northeastern North Dakota. Gross, histological and electron microscopic findings were typical of pox infection, and characteristic lesions developed in red-tailed hawks (Buteo jamaicensis) but not in great horned owls (Bubo virginianus) following inoculation with case material. Death of the rough-legged hawk was attributed to starvation resulting from inability to capture prey and to blood loss from foot lesions.