Aspergillosis (Fungal Pneumonia)

Cause
The principal fungus causing Aspergillosis in poultry is Aspergillus fumigatus.

Transmission
Transmission is by inhalation of fungus spores from contaminated litter (e.g. wood shavings, straw) or contaminated feed. Hatcheries may also contribute to infection of chicks.
 Species affectedYoung chickens are very susceptible. Older chickens are more resistant to infection. Turkey poults, pheasants, quails, ducklings, and goslings may also become infected.

Clinical signsInfected chickens are depressed and thirsty. Gasping and rapid breathing can be observed. Mortality is variable, from 5 to 50 %. Gross lesions involve the lungs and airsacs primarily. Yellow-white pin head sized lesions can be found. Sometimes all body cavities are filled with small yellow-green granular fungus growth.

DiagnosisThe presence of Aspergillus fumigatus can be identified microscopically or sometimes even with the naked eye in the air passages of the lungs, in the airsacs or in lesions of the abdominal cavity. Aspergillosis can be confirmed by isolation and identification of the fungus from lesions.

Treatment and controlThere no specific treatment for infected birds. The best is to remove and destroy affected birds.
Strict hygiene in breeder (hatching eggs) and hatchery management is necessary. Choice and quality of litter is also important to prevent that spore bearing wood shavings or straw are used.
Hatchery control with anti-fungal disinfectant may be critical to cleaning and disinfection procedures to control fungus infection.