Aspergillosis (pulmonary fungus) in falcons
Other names: Nahta (Saudi glossary: 'a type of lung disease'; may include other respiratory diseases, medium)، Radad، Aspergillus، Lung fungus، Air sac fungus
Symptoms
- Change or hoarseness of voice, or loss of it
- Shortness of breath and panting after slight exertion
- Tail bobbing with breathing
- Poor performance in flying and hunting
- Weight and appetite loss
- In late stages: nasal discharge and sudden death
Diagnosis
Endoscopy of the air sacs is the most accurate, with radiographs, a blood count (raised white blood cells), serological tests (ELISA), and fungal culture and sensitivity testing.
Treatment
Systemic antifungals as the vet directs: voriconazole has been used successfully in falcons at the Dubai hospital; a plasma-concentration study used 12.5 mg/kg every 12 hours orally by crop tube for 14 days (Schmidt 2007). Alternatives: itraconazole, posaconazole, amphotericin B (nebulised/topical by endoscope). Treatment is long (weeks to months). Treatment must be under the supervision of a veterinarian specialised in birds of prey; doses are determined by weight, species and examination results.
Prevention
Reduce pressure and stress (transport, severe hunger, heat), excellent ventilation, prevent dust, mouldy straw and contaminated sand, endoscopic check before purchase, with particular caution with gyrfalcons, hybrids and first-season juveniles.
Season
Year-round; increases with the stresses of the start of the season, transport, heat and humidity (an estimate; confidence: low for seasonality).
Treatment and doses are decided by an avian vet after an exam; Zajel does not publish doses.