ASPERGILLOSIS

[Dave007]

Aspergillosis in birds is an infection by a mold found in the air, in the soil, in animal feeds, and especially in animal bedding. In nature, this fungus derives its nutrition from decaying plant and animal material. Aspergillus is considered infectious, capable of growing inside a living animal. It is generally not considered contagious, however, since most birds pick it up from their environment. The mold is known as an opportunistic invader, causing disease only under special circumstances.

Infection generally occurs when the bird inhales airborne mold spores. If this inhaled dose is high enough to overwhelm the immune system, the bird becomes ill. A bird with a weakened immune system does not require a very high dose of spores. Stressors such as a new cage, moving to a new home, boarding, a new pet in the home can suppress the immune system. Prolonged illness, traumatic injuries, smoke inhalation (cigarettes), and treatment with immunosuppressive drugs will also lead to immunocompromise. Nutrition is paramount in preventing illnesses such as aspergillosis. An inadequate dietary level of vitamin A will cause a change in the mucus membranes and respiratory tract lining, weakening the front line of defense against infection. Deficient levels of zinc, vitamin C, vitamin E; B vitamins in the body can lead to an inadequate immune response and reduce resistance to disease. Finally, when antibiotics are not used properly, or if they are given for an extended period of time, the defenses against aspergillosis wane.

Two forms of aspergillosis are recognized, namely the acute from and the chronic form. The acute from is uncommon, and is usually found in wild birds or pets kept under unsanitary conditions. If occurs following exposed to an overwhelming number of mold spores, such as when ground corncobs get wet and moldy. The lungs and airsacs are rapidly colonized by a massive amount of mold. With this form a bird might lose it’s appetite, drink excessively, urinate excessively, have difficulty breathing, or exhibit a bluish discoloration to the skin. It could die without any sign of illness. The chronic form, on the other hand, is more common. These birds have a weakened immune system, and the infection can even enter the bloodstream where it travels to other organs. Birds that are chronically infected with Aspergillus show a variety of respiratory signs, including a runny nose, swollen face, inability to exercise, respiratory click, or a reluctance to talk or vocalize. They may have a lack of appetite and lose weight. Birds might have diarrhea or increased urination. Often birds with chronic aspergillosis are depressed and lethargic. Often discoloration of the urates can occur, and some birds behave strangely or even have seizures.

When veterinarian suspects that your bird might have aspergillosis, a variety of diagnostic tests may be employed to establish a diagnosis. The white blood cell count is frequently elevated, and enzymes may be released from tissues damaged by the infection. Some birds become anemic. Radiographs (X-rays) can show the location of abscesses, changes in the respiratory tract, or other signs of disease. An examination through the lenses of a rigid endoscope will allow direct visualization of the airsacs and abdominal organs, and will provide the opportunity to collect biopsy samples for culture and microscopic analysis. In recent years, accurate tests have been developed to detect the presence of Aspergillus in the bloodstream, and the immune response to it. Inflammatory proteins can also be evaluated in the blood, giving further evidence that the bird is fighting infection.

Once the diagnosis is confirmed, treatment is initiated to begin control of the fungus. In the initial stages, nursing care may be the most important part of treatment. Sick birds require warmth, humidity, proper nutrition, and plenty of fluids. Medications target the fungal infection, but often antibiotics are also used to fight or prevent concomitant bacterial infections that are common in these patients. Nebulization is sometimes used to humidify the airways and deliver topical doses of medicine deep into the respiratory system. Treatment can include surgery to debrief and cleanse the areas where pus, fungus, and debris have collected. In most cases, medications must be given for several months since it is the birds immune system that is responsible for cleanup while the medications simply hold the infection in check.

In order to protect a bird from infection by Aspergillus, it is important to keep stressors to a minimum. Birds do well when they are brought up learning that changes are a normal part of life, and when the home environment provides clear, consistent, loving guidelines. Of course, proper nutrition is key to the health of all animals. A varied diet based on a high quality pelleted ration is recommended. Birds eating this way get sick less frequently than those one seed based diets. Since the Aspergillus fungus grows readily in moist, dirty environments, one must provide good ventilation and keep the cage and surrounding area very clean. For veterinarians, one way to prevent infection is to routinely prescribe antifungal agents when avian patients are on extended courses of antibiotics or are otherwise immunocompromised. At Niles Animal Hospital and Bird Medical Center, we have a very good success rate in treating birds with the chronic from of aspergillosis. It is important, however to obtain a diagnosis and begin treatment as early in the course of disease as possible. One the infection has progressed, it can be very difficult if not impossible, to return a bird to health. Some birds do relapse, too, giving the fungus another opportunity to take their life.

[Twosteph]

My baby bird is being tested for Aspergillus now. Fingers crossed he is okay.

Thank for this post, i've been doing as much research on this as I possibly can. Karma your way.

[judygram]

I hope and pray that the test comes back negative Steph, your poor baby has already been thru so much already.

Dave is so wonderful to provide us with this information, many thanks to you Dave and we love you here at least I know I do.:kiss:

[Twosteph]

I know, poor thin is only 4 weeks old to. Thank you Judygram

[Tammy]

JudyGrams is Right on that about Dave. He is such a GREAT Help to alot of people. Steph since I been going to Janices house ever week your Baby seems Very Happy and Active ever time I am there.

[Twosteph]

I've only been once due to the drive, and it wasn't to her house, it was her sons. She keeps telling me the baby is doing great, and gosh he looks so great and healthy in his pictures.

If I lived closer I would be there every single day. Ha, I am ALWAYS at Animal House playing with those birds. THis wait is killing me.

[judygram]

All good things come to those who wait and believe me the wait will be worth it, I hope the baby is going to be fine and soon it will be home with you and then you can bombard us with pics and stories.:P B)

[Twosteph]

I'll be posting plenty of pictures and stories, I can't seem to get enough of them on here and wish people would post more.

My friends just don't get my love for animals, ha. They already roll their eyes when I mention my dog.

[judygram]

I know exactly what you are talking about, unless they love birds they just don't understand how we feel about our birds, they are family, some people feel that way about their dogs and cats and us bird people feel that way about our birds.

You know you can always come here and be with like minded people, tell us what you think and ask questions and share stories with us for we completely understand how your mind works. We are nuts for our greys and only other grey nuts know how we feel, you are in good company.

Some of my best friends are here on this forum and I know I can count on them for anything and they me.

[Tammy]

Well Everything came out NEG. on the birds. The Vet said they are 2 Healthy CAGs. They think the one Stephie is getting got bit by some bug.