Introduction:
A fungal infectious disease caused by Aspergillusfumigatus in which the typical sign is gasping for breath especially in young chicks.
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.
Signs and Symptoms:
Infected 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 air sacs primarily. Yellow white pinhead size lesions can be found.
Prevention:
There is 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. Amphotericin B and Nystatin Have been used in high value value-birds.
Thujota Nienu
(BVSC and AH-3rd year)
thujotanienu123@gmail.com
