Aspergillosis is an infectious disease caused by Aspergillius fungi. This ailment affects not only birds, but also farm animals. To date, two forms of this disease are known - acute and chronic. After reading this article, you will understand whether it is possible to eat the meat of birds suffering from aspergillosis.
Brief historical background
For the first time, mold fungi were found in the bronchi and lungs of birds as early as 1815. They were found by the German scientist A. Meyer. Forty years later, in 1855, they were identified by another scientist, Fresenius, who was studying the respiratory system of birds. It was he who gave the name to this disease.
Over time, it was found that this infection affects not only birds, but also many mammals. This is one of the most common mold fungal infections officially registered in most world countries. The disease causes significant economic damage to poultry farms, as more than half of the young livestock die from it.
How does infection happen?
Most often, bird aspergillosis occurs due to the fungus Aspergillus flavus, but it also happens that other pathogenic microorganisms provoke it . It is established that the causative agent of the disease is found in reproductive material, feed grain and soil. Fungi are resistant to high temperatures, so they actively reproduce and develop even at 45 degrees. Some Aspergillus species are not afraid of chemicals and disinfectant fluids.
In most cases, infection occurs by aerogenous route. As a rule, individuals are infected, but sometimes the disease becomes widespread. Outbreaks of aspergillosis occur solely in the presence of a sufficient number of pathogenic microorganisms. The source of infection is most often the infected litter in the chicken coop.
Another reason is a violation of resistance due to the use of immunosuppressive drugs, improperly prepared diet or stress. Also, infection can occur during contact with infected individuals.
How does aspergillosis proceed?
Symptoms in birds vary by age. The disease can occur in acute or chronic form. The first is commonly found in chickens under the age of thirty days. The first symptoms appear three days after infection. Sometimes this period decreases to one day or increases to ten.
Chickens infected with fungal spores show growth retardation, shortness of breath and rapid breathing. They become lethargic. Aspergillosis of birds can be recognized by one characteristic feature. Infected individuals begin to stretch their necks and swallow air. In the acute course, at least half of the infected young animals die. In some cases, they develop diarrhea, cough, and discharge from the eyes.
Symptoms of Aspergillosis in Adults
Laying hens usually develop a chronic form. The course of the disease is somewhat different from what is observed in a young livestock. In adult birds, the following are noted:
- Outflows from the nose and eyes.
- Diarrhea.
- Shortness of breath, shortness of breath and coughing.
- The death of embryos.
- Exhaustion.
Hens cease to rush. Some individuals have lethal paralysis.
Bird Aspergillosis: Diagnosis
An experienced farmer recognizes this disease without any problems. To confirm the diagnosis, the corpses of dead birds are sent for autopsy. As a rule, whole colonies of microorganisms are found in their air sacs and lungs, in appearance resembling small yellowish grains crumbling under scissors. In the process of opening incubation eggs of laying hens, dark green or black spots are clearly visible on their shell shells.
Subsequently, the obtained biomaterial collected using certain antiseptics is sent for laboratory research. Specialists sow on special environments. As a rule, agar based on Chapek's solution or dextrose is used for these purposes. Since it takes at least ten days to get the final result, treatment is started before the final diagnosis is made. The rather low efficiency of serological tests is associated with the uncharacteristic nature of antigens.
Healing methods
Farmers who understand that their livestock has detected bird aspergillosis, the treatment of which is reduced to the destruction of the causative agent of the disease, should immediately begin to act. These microorganisms are sensitive to iodine-containing drugs and antibiotics of the antifungal spectrum. This feature must be used not only for medical, but also for preventive purposes.
At the slightest suspicion of bird aspergillosis, broiler treatment should begin with mandatory aerosol treatment of the stock. It is advisable to do this indoors. Affected individuals are watered with potassium iodide per 0.15 milligrams per head. Copper sulfate, diluted in a ratio of 1: 2000, proved to be pretty good. Bird should be fed with this liquid for five days.
Additionally, antibiotics of the antifungal spectrum can be given to chickens. It should be noted that the effectiveness of such drugs usually does not justify their cost. You can use medicines such as Intraconazole or Mycoplasol. It is advisable to select antibiotics individually.
Suitable aerosol preparations
In the room where individuals live who have been diagnosed with bird aspergillosis, it is necessary to spray special agents that prevent the further spread of pathogens. For these purposes, you can use monochloride iodine. In this case, the processing is carried out by wire or sublimation with aluminum powder. 0.5 milliliters of the drug is needed per cubic meter of house volume. In case of poor sealing of the room, it is advisable to double the dosage. Half an hour after treatment, the chicken coop is thoroughly ventilated.
Chloroskipidar proved to be quite good. Processing is carried out by sublimation method. For one cubic meter, 0.2 milliliters of turpentine and bleach are required . You can also spray iodotriethylene glycol indoors. Such processing is carried out for five consecutive days. After a 48-hour break, you need to repeat it.
Preventative measures
Such a complex and dangerous disease as bird aspergillosis is more difficult to treat than to prevent. In order to prevent, daily cleaning and disinfection of containers intended for drinking water is necessary. In order to avoid the possible spread of infection, it is recommended to water the birds with a solution of copper sulfate, prepared in a ratio of 1: 2000. But this method cannot be considered a panacea, because it does not guarantee complete protection of the livestock from the harmful effects of pathogens. Experts do not advise resorting to this technique too often.
For prevention, a special vaccine can be used. To reduce the number of microorganisms, it is necessary to systematically ventilate the house. It is desirable that the room intended for keeping chickens had natural ventilation.
The basis of the diet of poultry should be high-quality feed, prepared in full accordance with generally accepted standards. For their storage, it is recommended to use dry enclosed spaces. To avoid the rapid development of microorganisms that provoke bird aspergillosis, you should get rid of dampness in the chicken coop. Unfinished feed should be disposed of by burning.
Outbreak Activities
If, despite all the preventive measures taken, an infection of the livestock has occurred in the poultry farm, it is necessary to carry out a whole range of actions aimed at stopping the disease.
First of all, it is necessary to identify all sources of infection and exclude all doubtful feeds from the bird's diet. Individuals who have already begun paralysis should be destroyed. After this, it is necessary to disinfect the house in the presence of feathered inhabitants. You also need to get rid of all litter and litter in a timely manner. Such a competent approach will significantly reduce livestock mortality or completely avoid initiation.