Observations on a field outbreak of pox virus infection in young Nile crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus).

A field outbreak of pox virus infection in juvenile Nile crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus), in which high morbidity and negligible mortality occurred, is described. Histopathological examination of the skin lesions revealed numerous large intracytoplasmic inclusions in the dermis and a very mild dermal inflammatory reaction. Scanning electron microscopical examination of the skin revealed the presence of large numbers of virus particles in the inclusions. Skin lesions persisted for 5 to 6 months.