Aspergillus is challenging to manage because it is an environmental fungus. When a bird becomes ill, stressed, or their husbandry is neglected, it increases the risk of contracting aspergillosis, a condition the fungus causes. Because this condition is so difficult to treat, preventative measures, such as keeping your bird’s enclosure and surrounding environment clean, are best. To better understand aspergillosis in pet birds, this guide looks at its symptoms, treatment options, and preventative measures you can take.
Aspergillus Can Cause Medical Problems in Pet Birds
Aspergillus is a fungus that causes respiratory infections in wild and pet birds. When aspergillus releases spores into the environment, it is inhaled by birds. The fungus first attacks the lungs, where it damages healthy tissues and internal organs. Because the fungus lives in soil, it is very hard to control through regular disinfection. It can also be present in wet bedding and moldy food when incorrectly stored.
Birds with compromised immune systems are the most prone to infection; however, healthy birds can contract the disease, too. Healthy birds are infected when they inhale or eat the fungal spores. The most common reason that pet birds develop the infection is due to a dirty environment. Poor husbandry is a leading cause of aspergillus, which is why keeping cages clean and avoiding overcrowding is imperative to protecting birds from contamination.
The Symptoms of Aspergillosis
Many birdkeepers may not notice their pet bird is infected during the early stages of aspergillosis. The fungus may spread and go undetected until symptoms become severe. The initial clinical signs of aspergillosis include respiratory problems, such as difficulty breathing, coughing, and lethargy. Most birds lose weight, while some may tire quickly after moderate play. You’ll notice a decline in your pet’s appetite, and in chronic cases, birds will gasp for air (a veterinary emergency). Where aspergillus spores make their way into the trachea, birds will have a discharge from their noses, and you’ll hear voice changes.
What makes this disease so hard to manage is that symptoms may vary depending on where the fungus travels in the body. If the infection moves into the bloodstream, birds may have gastrointestinal upset or experience tremors that overlap with other avian conditions, including parasitic infections. If you notice changes in their physical condition or their behavior, it is important to have them examined by an experienced avian veterinarian.
How Aspergillosis is Diagnosed in Birds
Aspergillosis is not easily diagnosed in birds. Avian veterinarians often perform multiple tests to make a diagnosis, from physical exams to bloodwork, but even then, the results may be inconclusive. In most cases, a vet will perform an x-ray to identify lung changes indicative of the fungal condition. In addition to avian radiographs, cultures from the trachea can identify the fungus, but again, this may not reveal the infection.
Testing for the presence of aspergillus is a costly procedure that places birds under immense stress. For many winged companions in the more advanced stages of the disease, tests, including biopsies, take a major toll on their bodies. If your veterinarian suspects that your pet bird is affected by aspergillosis, they will discuss the procedures available for diagnosis. Managing this disease depends on the physical condition of the affected bird. If they have lost significant weight and are struggling to breathe, treatment options may be limited.
How to Prevent Fungal Infections in Pet Birds
To protect your pet birds from this terrible fungus, keep their environment clean. Soiled bedding must be removed and replaced daily, while spilled food or debris stuck on the bars should be cleaned immediately. Thorough cage cleans must be performed weekly, which means removing and disinfecting all toys and perches.
You can use diluted bleach for cleaning purposes, but the birds must not be in the room, and the area must be well-ventilated. Alternatively, you can apply pet-based products that eliminate fungi, bacteria, and viruses. If you are considering white vinegar as a cleaning agent, it is ineffective against aspergillus. Vinegar is a popular natural disinfectant, but it will not destroy the fungus responsible for respiratory disease in birds.
Treatment Options for Aspergillosis in Birds
It is extremely challenging to treat aspergillosis because of the way the organism travels through the bird’s body. Pets with chronic infections may be hospitalized and given treatment that boosts their immune system. An avian veterinarian will use various antifungal medications, including oral and intravenous therapy.
Birds that require supportive care will be hospitalized and force-fed. Some are given anti-inflammatory medications and oxygen therapy to assist with difficulty breathing. Sadly, for pets in the advanced stages of infection, the outcome is often fatal. Based on a veterinary examination, your avian doctor will advise on the bird’s prognosis and whether treatment is suitable based on their physical condition.
Understanding Aspergillus Infections in Birds
The aspergillus infection is caused by the inhalation of fungal spores in the bird’s environment. Avian companions prone to respiratory illness include older birds and those with compromised immune systems. Dirty cages and stress are major contributors to aspergillosis infections in birds. Certain species are also more susceptible to infections, such as African gray parrots, Pionus parrots, and poultry, from chickens and geese to pigeons and turkeys.
The best line of defense against aspergillus is hygiene and good health. Keep your aviaries and pet bird cages clean and always provide a nutritious diet to strengthen your bird’s immune system. If you notice changes in the condition and behavior of your avian friend, always have them checked by an exotic vet.
