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Pulmonary aspergillosis in a great rhea (Rhea americana)

Elizabeth Chang Reissig1, Francisco A Uzal, Adriana Schettino

  • 1Animal Health Unit, The National Institute of Agricultural Technology, Bariloche, Argentina.

Avian Diseases
|September 24, 2002
PubMed

Insights

A young great rhea (Rhea americana) died from mycotic pneumonia. Necropsy revealed granulomas in the lungs caused by Aspergillus fumigatus, marking the first reported case in this species.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Pathology
  • Avian Medicine
  • Mycology

Background:

  • Great rheas (Rhea americana) are large, flightless birds native to South America.
  • Mycotic pneumonia, an infection of the lungs caused by fungi, can affect various avian species.
  • Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing fungal infections in birds.

Observation:

  • A 5-month-old great rhea exhibited progressive emaciation over one week before succumbing.
  • Post-mortem examination (necropsy) identified small, yellow nodules within the lung tissue.
  • Histopathological analysis revealed granulomas containing fungal hyphae consistent with Aspergillus fumigatus.

Findings:

  • The great rhea's death was attributed to mycotic pneumonia.
  • Microscopic examination confirmed the presence of septate, branching fungal hyphae within lung granulomas.
  • Aspergillus fumigatus was successfully isolated and identified from the affected tissues on Sabouraud dextrose agar.

Implications:

  • This case represents the first documented instance of mycotic pneumonia caused by Aspergillus fumigatus in great rheas.
  • Understanding this fungal pathogen's impact is vital for the health management of Rhea americana populations.
  • Further research into avian aspergillosis is warranted to develop effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for ratites.

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