Have you noticed your ducks coughing, wheezing, or just appearing a bit more lethargic of late?
If so, you may be dealing with an outbreak of Aspergillosis.
Though not a communicable disease among poultry, it spreads quickly, since it’s caused by fungal spores in the air that can rapidly lead to debilitating disease.
The bad news is that treatments are limited for this frustrating disease. However, there are simple steps you can take to prevent it and to stop it from decimating your flock.
Read on to learn about this disease, its causes, symptoms, and how you can prevent it in your flock.
What is Aspergillosis in Ducks?
Aspergillosis is a fungal disease that can occur in all poultry and occurs worldwide, particularly in areas with hot and humid conditions.
The fungus, Aspergillus, grows in moldy bedding, feed, and litter. The disease is most common in young animals in their first two weeks of life.
It’s important to note that higher concentrations of Aspergillus spores are believed to be needed to cause an infection. Just a little bit here and there won’t cause problems.
However, high stocking rates and poor ventilation can contribute to the development of Aspergillosis.
Ducks become infected with Aspergillus spores by inhaling them in the environment.
As multiple flock members live in the same environment, you may find that several birds may become affected at the same time.
Aspergillosis is not contagious, meaning that it can’t be spread from one duck to another, but it can be lethal if not treated quickly.
The most common symptoms of Aspergillosis in ducks include breathing difficulties, coughing, lethargy, loss of appetite, and in some cases, death.
We’ll discuss these common signs in more detail below.
Causes of Aspergillosis in Ducks
As mentioned earlier, Aspergillus spp. are opportunistic fungi that tend to multiply rapidly with high humidity and warm temperatures.
Some of the common risk factors that increase the likelihood of ducks contracting Aspergillosis include poor ventilation, damp and dirty housing conditions, contaminated feed, and overcrowding.
Concurrent or chronic diseases like respiratory infections, bumblefoot, coccidiosis, or parasites like worms can also weaken the duck’s immune system, making them more susceptible to Aspergillus infections as well.
Symptoms of Aspergillosis in Poultry
If you suspect Aspergillosis might be to blame for your ducks’ sudden illness, here are some common symptoms to keep an eye out for.
Trouble Breathing
The most common symptom of Aspergillosis in poultry is difficulty breathing. Birds with Aspergillosis may experience shortness of breath, rapid breathing, or wheezing.
In severe cases, the birds might develop open-mouth breathing or gasping for air.
Lethargy
Aspergillosis may also lead to lethargy or a lack of energy in affected poultry.
The birds might sit in one place for an extended period, appear weak when walking or standing or show less interest in food or water.
Fluffed Up Wings
Aspergillosis in poultry might cause the birds to puff up their wings.
This symptom typically reflects a feeling of cold or discomfort. It may also serve as a way to conserve heat during cold weather.
However, if you notice that several birds simultaneously fluff up their wings, it may signal Aspergillosis or another infectious disease.
Tail Bobbing
Birds with Aspergillosis may exhibit a consistent up-and-down motion of their tails. This symptom is known as tail bobbing.
It is caused by an increase in lung pressure, making it difficult for the bird to move air effectively in and out of its lungs. Tail bobbing often indicates an underlying respiratory problem.
Coughing
Coughing might not always be a sign of Aspergillosis among poultry. But this, along with trouble breathing and lethargy, are symptoms of many other common duck diseases.
Still, it remains one of the most common symptoms of this disease.
Silent Gasping
One of the most common symptoms of Aspergillosis in ducks is silent gasping. In this condition, the ducks will gasp for air, but no sound is produced.
In severe cases, oxygen therapy may be necessary to help your sick ducks breathe.
Incoordination and Poor Balance
Ducks with Aspergillosis may also display symptoms of incoordination and poor balance.
Ducks suffering from this condition may stumble or fall over while walking or standing.
This symptom occurs due to the fungus attacking the nervous system, causing the ducks to lose control of their coordination.
Eye Infections
Another symptom of Aspergillosis in ducks is eye infections. This condition occurs when the fungus attacks the eyes, causing redness, swelling, and discharge.
The ducks may also develop cloudy eyes, which can lead to blindness if left untreated.
It is essential to treat eye infections with antifungal medications and monitor the ducks’ eyes to prevent further damage.
Eye infections can also be a sign of other underlying conditions, so it is crucial to contact a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Fungal Masses in the Brain and Respiratory Nodules Found Upon Necropsy
If left untreated, Aspergillosis can lead to the development of fungal masses in the brain and respiratory nodules.
During a necropsy, veterinarians may find these masses, which can be large and cause significant damage to the respiratory system and brain.
Unfortunately, finding these masses is typically too late to save the duck’s life, as treatment at this stage is often unsuccessful.
How Do You Treat Aspergillosis in Poultry?
Now that you know what causes Aspergillosis and what the symptoms look like, here’s how to treat it.
Still, keep in mind that treatments are limited, and these are only remedies to alleviate most of the symptoms.
Talk to Your Vet
To diagnose Aspergillosis in your poultry, it is crucial to talk to your veterinarian.
It is important to note that the symptoms of Aspergillosis are similar to other respiratory diseases, and only a veterinarian can determine the root cause of the symptoms.
Your vet may do some blood work to rule out other diseases. Elevated white blood cells can indicate Aspergillosis, but can also be telling of other issues.
Radiographs (X-rays) are also used in diagnosing Aspergillosis. However, they may only show subtle lesions, too.
Because these tests aren’t always accurate, most vets will push for a surgical laparoscopy.
This involves putting an endoscope into the bird’s airway so the vet can get a better look at the sinus, lungs, trachea, air sacs, and so on.
They may collect samples of any lesions they find for further analysis as well.
Antifungal Treatments
Antifungal treatments are the recommended therapy for Aspergillosis. It is a long-term treatment that may be needed for up to 8 weeks or more.
The most common antifungal treatments prescribed for Aspergillosis are itraconazole and amphotericin B.
Your veterinarian may also recommend using nebulizers or aerosolized medication to deliver the antifungal medication directly to the bird’s airways.
Limit Stress
Stressful situations can weaken the bird’s immune system and reduce its resistance to diseases.
Limiting stress can help prevent diseases such as Aspergillosis from developing.
It is essential to provide the birds with a comfortable, stress-free environment and limit handling to minimize stress levels.
Cull Affected Birds
In some cases, Aspergillosis may be too advanced or widespread, despite treatment efforts.
In such cases, culling affected birds is often the best course of action to prevent further spread of the disease.
Affected birds should be removed from the rest of the flock and humanely euthanized according to local regulations.
Preventing Aspergillosis in Ducks
While treatment options are available for infected birds, preventing its spread should be your top priority.
Luckily, there are several steps you can take to minimize the risk of Aspergillosis.
Avoid Giving Antibiotics or Steroids For More Than a Week
Antibiotics and steroids are commonly used in the poultry industry to prevent and treat infections.
However, the long-term use of these drugs can create bacterial resistance, making infections more difficult to treat.
Plus, prolonged use of these drugs can weaken your duck’s immune system, making them more vulnerable to Aspergillosis.
As a rule of thumb, avoid giving antibiotics or steroids to your ducks for more than a week.
Keep Conditions Dry
Moisture in the coop is one of the leading causes of Aspergillosis.
Too much moisture creates the perfect environment for mold and other fungi to grow, which can lead to respiratory issues for your ducks.
Keep conditions dry by using dry bedding, not overfilling food or water containers, and removing any wet or soiled bedding.
Improve Ventilation in the Coop
Proper ventilation is crucial to preventing Aspergillosis. Good airflow helps reduce moisture and prevents the buildup of harmful gasses.
Install windows or vents to improve air circulation in your duck’s coop. Make sure that air vents are not blocked by bedding or other objects.
Collect and Incubate Only Clean, Healthy Eggs
Collect only clean eggs and discard any dirty or cracked eggs.
While incubating eggs, ensure proper humidity levels and keep the incubator clean to prevent mold or other fungi from growing.
Clean and Disinfect Your Coop and Run on a Regular Basis
Start by removing any debris or soiled bedding. Next, clean the coop and run with hot, soapy water, followed by a disinfectant that is safe for poultry.
Allow the area to dry thoroughly before allowing the birds back in.
Avoid Overcrowding
One of the easiest ways to prevent Aspergillosis in ducks is to avoid overcrowding.
More ducks in one area means more moisture and fecal matter, which can lead to the growth of fungus.
Your ducks should have plenty of space to move around and access to clean, well-ventilated areas.
Put Feeders and Waterers on Elevated Platforms
Placing food and water on elevated platforms can help keep them clean and dry, preventing the formation of mold.
Be sure to clean the feeders and waterers regularly to avoid any old or moldy feed.
Remove Any Old Food from the Pen
If you notice any old or leftover food in the pen, remove it immediately. Food that has been exposed to moisture can be a breeding ground for fungus.
Regularly cleaning and properly disposing of old food will help prevent the growth of mold.
Improve Drainage Around the Coop
Poor drainage can lead to standing water, which can cause mold growth.
Make sure the area around the coop has proper drainage to prevent standing water.
Spray Antifungal Sprays
Along with the above measures, spraying antifungal sprays can be an effective way to prevent Aspergillosis.
Fungistatic agents such as thiabendazole, nystatin, or copper sulfate can be used to spray bedding litter.
Never Feed Moldy Food
Feeding moldy food to ducks is a recipe for disaster. Moldy food can cause Aspergillosis and other respiratory diseases.
Always check the feed for any signs of mold and discard any that has mold growth.
Use Clean, Mold-Free Litter
Using clean, mold-free litter is crucial in preventing Aspergillosis in ducks. Dirt and manure can become moldy and release spores, which can cause Aspergillosis.
Make sure to change the bedding regularly and keep the area around the coop clean and dry.
Can Humans Get Aspergillosis?
Although ducks are often the primary host of the fungus, humans can get Aspergillosis through inhalation of Aspergillus spores.
This means that humans are not infected by contact with ducks, but by breathing in the spores released by the fungus.
People who are most at risk of contracting Aspergillosis include those with weakened immune systems, such as cancer and HIV/AIDS patients.
Those with chronic respiratory diseases, such as asthma and cystic fibrosis, are also susceptible to the disease.
Inhaling the spores of the Aspergillus fungus can cause an allergic reaction that can affect the respiratory system, resulting in coughing, fever, chest pain, and shortness of breath, among other symptoms.
Is Aspergillosis Fatal in Birds?
Aspergillosis is not always fatal in birds, though it can be—and it can be challenging and costly to treat.
The infection can lead to severe respiratory disease, organ failure, and other complications in birds.
Preventing the disease requires careful hygiene, strict sanitation measures, and proper ventilation in duck farms or aviaries.
Aspergillosis in Ducks: Final Thoughts
Aspergillosis is something that can be frustrating to deal with as a duck owner—but the good news is that the likelihood of experiencing it is relatively low if you keep your coop and flock clean.
Still, in case your birds can get infected, there are treatment options that you can use to alleviate the symptoms. Better yet, you can always consult with your vet for the best treatment solution.
Follow the steps in this post to keep your ducks happy and breathing free and clear!
Interested in knowing how to keep your duck healthy? You might want to check the articles below: