Efficacy of miconazole nitrate against favus in oriental breed chickens.

Miconazole nitrate 2% was tested for its efficacy against Microsporum gallinae (the causative agent in favus) in a flock of various Oriental breed (Shamo and Aseel) and crossbreed chickens. Six adult males showing clinical signs of favus were randomized into control and experimental groups. The males were maintained on individual tiecords on the range, with no physical contact between birds. The experimental birds had the affected areas washed with soap and water and dried, and an ointment of miconazole nitrate 2% was applied. The experimental birds received the treatment twice a day for 34 days. Scrapings from the affected areas of all birds were cultured at the beginning and end of the test. At the end of the treatment period, the control birds were still positive for M. gallinae, but the organism could not be cultured from the treated birds.