Diseases: Aspergillosis

Introduction

A respiratory disease caused by the fungus Aspergillus, usually the species Aspergillus flavus

• Only young chickens are susceptible

Clinical Signs

• Laboured breathing and gasping
• Conjunctivitis, sometimes corneal ulcers and blindness
• Low mortality

Post Mortem Lesions

• Yellow or white cheese- or curd-like nodules in lungs and air sacs

Diagnosis

• Post mortem lesions
• Isolation of the organism
• Microscopic examination of the lesion

Samples

• Lesions taken aseptically - contamination with environmental fungi occurs easily

Transmission

• Inhalation or conjunctival infection with fungal spores

Treatment

• There are no specific treatments

Prevention and Control

• Improve hygiene in the surrounds of young chicks