Avian aspergillosis

Abstract

Aspergillosis caused by Aspergillus fumigatus was observed in “juriti” (Leptotilla rufaxilla) and in “cacatua” (Cacatua moluccensis). These birds were found dead on their cages at the Parque Zoológico, São Paulo — Brasil. Necroscopic examination revealed nodular ball shapped formations distributed along the pulmonar parenchyma, air sacks and mesenteric serosa. Pure cultures of Aspergillus fumigatus were obtained on Sabouraud’s dextrose ágar in both cases, and suspensions of these cultures caused death in rabbits, guinea pigs and pigeons when give by the intra-venous route. The fungs was reisolated from these animals. Addition to water and meal of Lugol’s solutions was recommended, after thorough desinfection of the cages to prevent spread of infection to susceptibbles. No further cases were observed. The birds refered in this work were not included yet in the list of susceptibles to Aspergillosis in brazilian scientific literature.