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Aspergillus fumigatus keratitis with intraocular invasion in 15-day-old chicks
B J Beckman1, C W Howe, D W Trampel
1Hy-Line International, Dallas Center, Iowa 50063.
Insights
A fungal eye infection caused by Aspergillus fumigatus affected young chickens, leading to increased morbidity. Moldy feed and litter management effectively prevented further cases of this fungal ophthalmitis.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Mycology
- Avian Pathology
Background:
- Fungal infections, particularly ophthalmitis, can significantly impact poultry health and productivity.
- Early detection and intervention are crucial for managing disease outbreaks in commercial flocks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the causative agent of eye infections in young chickens.
- To investigate the contributing factors and effective management strategies for fungal ophthalmitis.
Main Methods:
- Clinical observation of affected broiler chicks.
- Necropsy and histopathological examination of ocular and pulmonary tissues.
- Isolation and identification of fungal pathogens from infected eyes.
Main Results:
- Eye infections characterized by exudate and conjunctivitis were observed in chicks.
- Histopathology revealed septate fungal hyphae in ocular tissues and lung granulomas.
- Aspergillus fumigatus was successfully isolated from infected eyes, confirming it as the etiological agent.
Conclusions:
- Aspergillus fumigatus is a significant cause of fungal ophthalmitis in young chickens.
- Eliminating moldy feed and improving litter management are critical for preventing and controlling this infection.
Abstract:
Eye infections were initially observed in single-comb white leghorn breeder chicks at 5 days of age, and morbidity increased from 0.05% to 1.5% after debeaking at 7 days of age. All chicks necropsied at 15 days of age had cheesy yellow exudate within the conjunctival sac of one eye and small (1 mm diameter) white nodular lesions in lungs and on thoracic air-sac membranes. Histopathologic examination of the eyes revealed septate fungal hyphae and inflammatory cells in the anterior chamber, cornea, and conjunctival sac. Similar fungal hyphae were present within lung granulomas. Aspergillus fumigatus was isolated from the eyes. Eye infections were the only health problem reported for several consecutive flocks on this farm. Elimination of moldy feed from the diet and environment and proper management of sawdust litter have prevented fungal ophthalmitis in subsequent flocks.