[Mass occurrence of mycotic tracheitis in chickens]

An enzootic of chick mycosis, caused by the spores of the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus, is described. The mycotic infection affected the respiratory tract of the birds; pathological changes were located mainly in the region of the trachea. The changes had the nature of diphtheroid necrotic inflammation destroying the mucous membrane and causing almost an obstruction of the trachea. Deposits of granulomatous inflammation, containing fungus elements, were detected in the peritracheal tissue, and in individual birds also in the lungs. Litter contaminated with Aspergillus was the source of infection.