Aspergillosis
Aspergillosis is the name given to a variety of diseases caused by the fungus of Aspergillus.
Two known strains of fungi, Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, produce aflatoxins, which can be found in peanuts, peanuts in the shell and peanut products.
Aspergillosis in birds is a respiratory disease caused by the fungus Aspergillus.
Aspergillus grows readily in warm and moist environments. The microscopic spores of the fungus become airborne. Poor ventilation, poor sanitation, dusty conditions, and close confinement increase the chance the spores will be inhaled.
The severity of Aspergillosis is determined by various factors but one of the most
Important factors is the state of the immune system of your bird.
Feeding a healthy nutrional diet, keeping your birds living area clean , good ventilation & fresh water changed throughout the day will minimize the risk of your bird inhaling any airborne spores.
What are the signs of aspergillosis?
There can be two forms of aspergillosis, chronic & acute.
Birds with acute aspergillosis may have difficulty in breathing loss of appetite, frequent drinking and urination, and sometimes sudden death mat occur.. The fungus generally affects the trachea, (voice box), and air sacs. The lungs may also be involved.
Chronic aspergillosis is much more common, and unfortunately more deadly. The bird may not show any symptoms until the disease has progressed too far. The respiratory system is attacked, nodules appear and work through the tissue, large numbers of spores enter the bloodstream. The spores then travel throughout the body, infecting multiple organs.
Aspergillosis can be difficult to diagnose as the signs of disease copy those of many other illnesses. The veterinarian will need to do a full blood count & maybe an endoscopy, a view down the trachea, to help diagnois.
So there you have a brief run down on Aspergillosis.
As with any food we feed out birds there is always a risk, There has been a lot said about Aspergillosis, but you need to use your own judgemeant & common sense. Feed only human grade nuts,discard if the nut has an odour or looks bad & check for mould.
