Cryptococcus neoformans var. neoformans and munia birds

Cr. neoformans var. neoformans has been persistently demonstrated in the saprobic environment of caged munia birds at a local zoological garden. The pathogen was also cultured from the beaks, feathers and legs of these birds. It is suggested that the role of munia birds should be further investigated to understand the ecology of this important human pathogen.