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Intralesional application of ribavirin in two American flamingos (Phoenicopterus ruber) with poxvirus infection

2023; Elsevier BV; Volume: 201; Linguagem: Inglês

10.1016/j.jcpa.2022.11.004

1532-3129

G. Mark Marcello, Kali Holder, Sara Hallager, Benjamin B. Norton, Kay A. Backues, Anna E Tyler, Ayo Zeitlin, Evan Murray-Hiteshew, Suzan Murray,

Mosquito-borne diseases and control

We report the successful treatment of poxvirus lesions in two juvenile American flamingos (Phoenicopterus ruber) with experimental low-dose intralesional ribavirin injection. In the first flamingo, the size and location of a beak verrucosity interfered with feeding, and after multiple surgical interventions, an experimental therapy of low-dose intralesional ribavirin was implemented with close blood parameter monitoring to minimize any potential side effects due to systemic antiviral administration. The second flamingo had a poxvirus lesion on the tibiotarsus, which recurred after unsuccessful conservative medical treatment and surgical intervention and a course of intralesional ribavirin therapy was implemented. Regression of the lesions in both flamingos commenced within 3 days of ribavirin treatment resulting in complete resolution within 6 weeks of onset of ribavirin treatment.