Mycotic keratoconjunctivitis in 12‐day‐old red‐legged partridges (Alectoris rufa)

Abstract

KERATITIS and conjunctivitis have been recorded in association with avian poxvirus infection in red-legged partridges (Alectoris rufa) (Gortázar and others 2002), Pasteurella species infection in chickens (Ojo and others 1972), and Mycoplasma gallisepticum and Cryptosporidium species infection in Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) (Murakami and others 2002). In chickens, it has been described as a consequence of exposure to ammonia fumes that develop in damp litter and droppings (Riddell 1997); it is described as generally bilateral, with many birds recovering if exposure to ammonia fumes is eliminated. 'Bulgy eye' associated with M gallisepticum and other secondary infections has been recognised in red-legged partridges for many years (Beer 1988). Lesions associated with Aspergillus species were described in the eyes of chickens in 1940 by Reis (Richard 1997), and similar lesions have also been reported in young chicks and in turkeys (Richard 1997). Intraocular invasion by Aspergillus fumigatus in 15-day-old breeder chicks was reported by Beckman and others (1994). Invasion of the anterior chamber of the eye via the cornea by A fumigatus was described as an unusual manifestation of mycotic ophthalmic disease. It was suggested that the most likely pathogenesis in that case was initial damage by fumes or ammonia in the birds' environment leading to corneal epithelial erosions or superficial keratitis. Avian pneumovirus and Newcastle disease (paramyxovirus type 1) can also present with conjunctivitis and unilateral swelling of the head (Alexander 1997); infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) infection in chickens can also cause conjunctivitis. A coronavirus closely related in genome organisation and in gene sequence to IBV was isolated from partridges (Alectoris species) in China (Cavanagh 2005). This short communication describes the investigation of an outbreak of mycotic keratoconjunctivitis in red-legged partridge chicks. Five hundred red-legged partridges introduced from France as day-old chicks (group M) were placed in one 'Burgate' brooder house approximately 2.4 m x 2.4 m square and 1.5 m maximum height. The heat source for the birds was propane gas heaters. For the first week, the birds were retained within a hardboard circle, 2.1 mm in diameter. Super fine Partridge Crumbs (code 5651; Marsdens Feeds) were offered to the birds in flat plastic trays with a considerable amount dispersed throughout the floor of the house. Water was supplied through fountain drinkers, which were replenished at least twice daily. Chopped

Mycotic Keratitis in a Khaki Campbell Duck (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus)

“…Most reports are from gallinaceous species that have been managed in a production setting. [2][3][4] The only fungal organism reported previously as a cause of keratitis in ducks is Candida albicans. 5 To our knowledge, aspergillosis has not been reported as a cause of keratitis in ducks.…”

“…Because of the infrequency with which mycotic keratitis has been reported in avian species, no correlation can be made to season and incidence rate; however, it has been speculated that development of disease in poultry is related to factors in the environment in production settings, such as fumes and ammonia. [2][3][4] Fungi are considered to be opportunistic pathogens and part of the normal ocular surface flora in all species. 7 In a report of bacterial and fungal flora found in healthy eyes of birds of prey, fungal growth was found in 2.3% of sampled eyes; the low prevalence was thought to be transitory and resulting from environmental exposure.…”

Investigating an Outbreak of Aspergillus fumigatus Infection in a Racing Pigeon (Columba livia domestica) Flock

“…Ocular lesions have been reported in previous aspergillosis outbreaks, with two different localizations involving either the corneal and conjuctiva or the vitreous humor (Richard et al, 1984;Beckman et al, 1994;Dalton and Ainsworth, 2011). While corneal and conjuctival involvement develops as a result of direct contact with superficial fungal elements (Beckman et al, 1994;Dalton and Ainsworth, 2011), choroid and ciliary retinal involvement develops as a result of fungi being spread hematogenously from pulmonary lesions (Richard et al, 1984).…”