A case of aspergillosis outbreak in a broiler duck farm in Kelantan, Malaysia

• Main Authors: Eric Lim Teik Chung, Mohd Farhan Hanif Reduan, Muhammad Luqman Nordin, Faez Firdaus Jesse Abdullah, Nurul Huda Mohd Zairi, Nur Zul Izzati Mohd Rajdi, Intan Noor Aina Kamaruzaman, Nurshahirah Shaharulnizim
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Network for the Veterinarians of Bangladesh 2020-12-01
• Series: Journal of Advanced Veterinary and Animal Research
• Subjects: aspergillosis; aspergillus fumigatus; clinical diagnosis; prevention; treatment
• Online Access: http://www.ejmanager.com/fulltextpdf.php?mno=112129

Objective: This case report aims to discuss the veterinary approach taken to control a case of aspergillosis outbreak on a duck farm. Materials and Methods: A broiler duck farm with a population of 900 Muscovy ducks was having a complaint of a 5% mortality rate in their 3-week-old ducklings. Upon presentation, 10% of the ducks appeared to be listless, dyspneic, ruffled feathers, and cyanotic. Postmortem examination of the dead birds was conducted. The collected samples were subjected to isolation and iden¬tification of the associated Aspergillus fumigatus under the microscope using the scotch tape method. Results: Postmortem examination revealed whitish to creamy caseous nodules in the lungs, tho¬racic air sacs, gizzard, proventriculus, and intestines. Granuloma lesions and infiltration of inflam¬matory cells were observed in the lung and liver tissues. As for therapeutic management, all ducks were treated with copper sulfate, erythromycin, and multivitamins as the fungicide, antibiotic, and supplement, respectively, via drinking water. Conclusion: There is no effective treatment for Aspergillosis as the spores are difficult to destroy completely. Nonetheless, the disease can be controlled and prevented effectively with proper farm sanitation and providing a suitable feed storage environment to inhibit the growth of this opportunistic fungus. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2020; 7(4.000): 692-697]