Aspergillosis in Poultry

Abstract

Aspergillosis is a non-contagious respiratory disease caused by fungal species known as aspergillus affecting chickens, ducks, turkey and many other bird species. Mainly seen in 7-40 days old birds. Aspergillus fumigatus is the main cause of this disease. Infection occurs through inhalation of spores, typically from contaminated litter or other contaminations in hatchery. After inhalation spores mainly penetrate the respiratory system causing granulomas. Itraconazole is one of these drugs that can be used to treat the disease.Prevention is best method of controlling this disease as treatment is not effective. Adequate managemental practices such as sanitation, disinfection and ventilation must be adopted. Handling infected birds and animals, inhaling spores from infected feed and litter, poor sanitation and hygiene, and eating undercooked contaminated poultry are all ways for it to spread to humans.