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Aspergillosis (view source)

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==Description==

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Aspergillosis is a disease of the respiratory system caused by several [[Aspergillus]] spp. Commonly affected species include birds, dogs, cats, horses and cattle but the disease has been reported in many other wild and domestic species.

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Aspergillosis is a disease of the respiratory system caused by several [[Aspergillus]] spp. A. fumigatus is the most frequently reported species in domestic animals. Commonly affected species include birds, dogs, cats, horses and cattle but the disease has been reported in many other wild and domestic species.

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==Clinical signs==

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===Birds===

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In avian species the disease manifests as a diffuse infection of the [[Avian Respiration - Anatomy & Physiology#Air Sacs|air sacs]]. Two forms of the disease have been reported; a diffuse pneumonic form and a nodular form involving the [[Avian Respiration - Anatomy & Physiology#Avian Lungs|lungs]]. Clinical signs include diarrhoes, listlessness, pyrexia, loss of appetite and loss of condition. Seizures may occasionally occur.

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*Avians:

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**Diffuse infection of the [[Avian Respiration - Anatomy & Physiology#Air Sacs|air sacs]]

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**Diffuse pneumonic form

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**Nodular form involving the [[Avian Respiration - Anatomy & Physiology#Avian Lungs|lungs]]

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**Spores are inhaled

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**Yellow nodules in the [[Avian Respiration - Anatomy & Physiology#Avian Lungs|lungs]] and [[Avian Respiration - Anatomy & Physiology#Air Sacs|air sacs]]

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**The acute form usually affects young birds and is rapidly fatal (within 24-48 hours)

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***Signs include [[Diarrhoea|diarrhoea]], listlessness, pyrexia, loss of appetite and loss of condition

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***Sometimes convulsions may occur

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***Resembles Pullorum disease

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**The chronic form usually occurs in adult birds and is sporadic, presenting with milder clinical signs

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|<gallery>Image:Aspergillus swan.jpg|<center><p>'''Aspergillus in a swan'''</p><sup>Copyright Professor Andrew N. Rycroft, BSc, PHD, C. Biol.F.I.Biol., FRCPath</sup></center></gallery>

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