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This article was published in 1951
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INSTITUTE OF INSPECTORS OF STOCK OF N.S.W. YEAR BOOK.
Aspergillosis in Turkeys
G. CHARLES. B.V.Sc., Inspector of Stock, Forbes.
In May, 1950, a farmer in the Quandialla area reported that about 10% of his turkey flock was affected with some respiratory trouble, and that he feared heavy losses.
Affected birds made frequent and violent attempts to clear their throats, accompanied by much head shaking and coughing. There was some evidence of a green diarrhoea.
Post-mortem examination revealed extensive caseous masses in the thoracic air sacs with what appeared to be a fungus growth on the surface. A live turkey was submitted for examination, and cultural examination resulted in the isolation of Aspergillus sp.
Some two years prior to this outbreak the owner was building two haystacks which were subject to heavy rain before thatching; and when they were opened about two months prior to the disease occurring, the hay was found to be very mouldy. The owner intended to burn the stacks, but then decided to allow his turkeys access to them as roosting places, and in the hope that they would utilise the grain. Shortly after giving the birds access to the stacks the condition developed. Fortunately the owner's fears as to losses were not realised as only two or three birds died.
From available literature it would seem that spread of this disease from bird to bird is unimportant on the poultry farm, and that outbreaks almost invariably occur following the use of infected grain, meal or bedding.
The spores of all pathogenic species of Aspergillus are only the size of many bacteria, being less than 10% and consequently great masses of infected material can be contained in very small amounts of grain or straw. Hence, prophylaxis consists of using clean materials, and in the case of bedding not laying it in the brooders until the floors are quite dry after being washed.
In man, Aspergillus infection takes the form of an inflammatory granuloma condition with special affinity for the respiratory tract, giving rise to a pulmonary infection simulating pulmonary tuberculosis. The patient appears reasonably well, but shows haemoptysis, night sweats, asthenia, loss of weight and coughing. Fifty years ago it was not uncommon among pigeon handlers and hair sorters in England, but there do not appear to be any records of recent cases.