Barb, you are so right. Just went through this, no fault of my own, I acquired ducks that had this from the breeder. Horrible way to die. It is also from moldy food and bedding that is not properly cleaned and being housed in overcrowded, unclean environments.. 5 out of 9 ducks dead and not sure about the other 4. Aspergillosis is natural in any environment we breath it in but given enough fresh air it cleans out of our systems, if trapped in an area where that is all they breathe, death is certain. It too can be passed to eggs, it's called brooder pneumonia, I believe, also know as acute aspergillosis. In older birds raised in the environment contaminated with the spores it is called chronic aspergillosis.
The bird develops legions through out the body and eventually succumbs to the infection. One birds necropsy had the cause of death as fungal pneumonia, fugal ingluvitis and fungal hepatitis, plus multiple large granulomas(legions) in large numbers in it's lungs, crop, liver. The other bird I had a necropsy performed on had the same thing, but mostly in her liver and lungs. The other 3 birds were DOA and so decomposed from a 19 hour trip(they were dead a LONG time, they were decaying) I couldn't have a necropsy done....but the vet assured me they had this and the fact they also had the most severe bumble foot I've ever seen, caused their demise. So a staph infection, plus aspergillosis, and the stress of being shipped...these birds didn't have a chance. Birds can live months with chronic aspergillosis and once their immune system is weakened by egg laying, another illness, or stress, it triggers a whole system shut down. We were so worried it was here and contagious, but it is not contagious, and it is not here, none of my birds have ever had this in all the years I've had them. The whole experience was heart breaking and stressful. Constantly worrying who will I find next? I'm hoping it is over now, but we walk on pins and needles every day and I'm trying not to get attached to the remaining birds because I'm afraid they will not be here long. Thank you for letting me indulge and listening.
