Source: swfh.com
Overview
- Aspergillosis is transmitted to falcons either by inhalation or by direct contact with infected birds or the use of contaminated tools and equipment like water baths.
Clinical signs
- The most common symptoms are the change of colour of the faeces to green, difficulty in breathing, loss of appetite, regurgitation of food, reduction of weight, weakness and lethargy and the increase in the urine material in the faeces (white material), inability to fly, poor performance in exercise and training, swelling and obstruction of the nose, thick excretion from the nostrils that are mostly blocked and swelling of the nasal sinuses. If the infection reaches the nervous system the infected falcon will show irregular movement, twisting of the neck and head, imbalance, tremors in the head, deviation of the tail to one side and convulsions.
Diagnosis and differentials
- Diagnosis of Aspergillosis may be made in different ways importantly (examining stamina) which means comparing the falcons respiration rates between resting and activity and the time taken for the rate of respiration to return to the resting. This can be done by exposing the falcon to stress for half a minute then allowed to rest for 2 min and then check the respiration rate. If resting rate does not return the probability of infection is suspected.
Other symptoms which may appear on the falcon may also play an important role in the diagnosis, in addition to, the use of medical equipment like endoscopy to examine the abdominal cavity, the lungs and the air sacs and the rest of the internal organs. X-ray investigation may be used to check the integrity of the lungs and the air sacs and the rest of the internal organs. Biopsies can be taken while performing an endoscopy to verify in the laboratory and confirm the infection.
Treatment and control
- Treatment of Aspergillosis can be classified into 4 levels depending on the severity of the symptoms.