Fungal Infections in Birds

Fungal infections in birds are not uncommon and can be caused by different types of fungi. Budgerigars, soft eaters, and young animals of all bird species are particularly affected, especially those that are hand-reared. Injuries to the mucous membrane and especially to the goiter are a cause for this.

Fungal infections in birds are not uncommon and can be caused by different types of fungi. Budgerigars, soft eaters, and young animals of all bird species are particularly affected, especially those that are hand-reared. Injuries to the mucous membrane, the crop, and other parts of the body are promoted.

 

If an animal has been infected, it is not doing well and needs urgent help. Treatment must be quick and careful.

What are the Causes?

The culprits for causing fungal infections are different types of fungi. The most well-known include the mold of the genus Aspergillus and the yeast Candida albicans or Macrorhabdus ornithogaster.

The fungal pathogens can occupy different parts of the bird’s body, for example, the respiratory tract, skin, and occupy the gastrointestinal tract. Molds of the Aspergillus genus are usually responsible for fungal infections of the respiratory tract and skin. In the case of infections in the gastrointestinal area, it is the yeast fungi Candida albicans or Macrorhabdus ornithogaster.

Reasons for the development of such an infectious disease are poor posture. These include poor hygiene, a wrong diet with too few nutrients (trace elements, minerals, vitamins), unsuitable humidity and temperature, too little space and too many animals in too small a space, too few free flights and activities, and stress. A weak immune system and other diseases or medications can also be to blame.

What are the Symptoms of a Fungal Infection?

All fungal diseases have the following symptoms.

• apathy
• weakness
• ruffled and dull plumage
• cloudy eyes
• loss of appetite
• weight loss
• Vomit
• diarrhea feces

The following symptoms are recognizable with an infection of the respiratory tract:

• glued goiter plumage
• whitish deposits in the beak cavity
• Inflammation of the throat mucosa also called thrush
• Inflammation of the lungs and air sacs
• coughing, wheezing, and sneezing
• diarrhea feces

Symptoms of skin infection are as follows:

• itching all over the body
• dry, scaly, and inflamed, and skin
• inflammation of the skin
• Stunted growth and loss of feathers
• whitish crusts on the skin
• diarrhea feces. It may also contain undigested grains.

The Right Treatment Helps

Therapy for fungal infections in birds begins with a detailed examination and diagnosis by the veterinarian. Treatment is with the administration of antifungal (antifungal) drugs over a sufficiently long period of time. Depending on the need, the respective drug is either rubbed onto the skin, inhaled, or ingested. Infusions are also possible. At the same time, a two-week sugar-free diet is administered. Fruit, mashed food, and sharp-edged grains are avoided. If the fungus does not get any sugar, it will starve.

Different types of pathogens respond differently to the drugs. In addition to the general condition of the bird, early detection and correct treatment are decisive for successfully combating the fungal disease.