@dr_noemie_exotics_vet: It may begin with relatively non-specific clinical signs. Reduced activity, exercise intolerance, weight loss or changes in vocalisation may be noticed initially. As the disease progresses, respiratory signs can become more apparent: increased respiratory effort, tail bobbing, tachypnoea, abnormal respiratory sounds and, in more advanced cases, significant respiratory distress. Depending on which structures are affected, the clinical presentation can vary considerably. Lesions may develop within the air sacs, lungs and other parts of the respiratory tract, and in some cases the disease can disseminate beyond the respiratory system. So what are we talking about? Aspergillosis. Aspergillosis is a fungal disease most commonly associated with Aspergillus spp. Parrots are regularly exposed to fungal spores in their environment, and exposure itself does not necessarily result in disease. Risk increases with a high environmental fungal burden and when normal respiratory or immune defences are compromised. Poor ventilation, damp or contaminated organic material, malnutrition, concurrent disease, chronic stress and immunosuppression can all contribute. Affected birds can develop fungal plaques and granulomas within the respiratory tract, sometimes resulting in extensive disease before obvious respiratory signs are present. Can you reduce the risk? Good ventilation and environmental hygiene are important. Food and bedding should be stored appropriately and kept dry, mould-contaminated materials should never be used, nutrition should be appropriate for the species, and underlying health problems should be addressed. Aspergillosis cannot always be prevented, but reducing environmental fungal exposure and maintaining appropriate husbandry can reduce important predisposing factors

Dr_Noemie_Exotics_Vet

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Wednesday 07 October 2026 10:37:44 GMT