Aspergillosis is a common and potentially dangerous infection in many birds, including chickens, attacking the lungs, tissue and organs. Fungi, like aspergillus, are naturally found in soil, decaying vegetation, hay and grain, and grow rapidly in damp environments commonly linked to improper storage of feed. While mold is a natural microorganism used in the production of some foods and medicines, the aspergillus fungus is a toxic mold. When chickens ingest this deadly mold it often forms into a fungus ball within their lungs, creating severe respiratory inflammation, before spreading to other tissues and organs, potentially leading to fatality. The most common indicators of an aspergillosis infection in chickens include: difficulty breathing, continuous coughing, and/or coughing up blood.
Like the bird flu (avian influenza), aspergillosis has been connected with large flock fatalities, caused by feeding chickens moldy grain, and even leaving piles of moldy waste grain, contaminated with aspergillus fungi, unattended.The most effective way to keep a flock safe from contracting the aspergillosis infection is to buy, store and serve feed properly. Keeping feed dry and protected from moisture keeps this fungi from growing into a dangerous and potentially deadly mold.
Type:
Dangerous infection in chickens, most commonly attacking thelungs.
Cause:
Fungi, of Aspergillus.
Source:
Consumption of contaminated food sources, moldy grain and feed.
Symptoms:
Repeated coughing, coughing up blood, fever and chills, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Aspergillosis may also be fatal, causing flock losses.
Prevention:
Maintaining proper feed storage, free of moisture and mold growth is critical to prevent exposure and contamination.