Probable Acute Aspergillosis

[muscovylove]

last week I moved a pile of wood chips into my chicken area. I did notice mold, but thought it was fine. Today I lost a duck in my arms, she was gasping for breath, I thought she was choking. I noticed 2 other ducks gasping. Both are isolated and covered so they can rest. Their breath is a little calmer, but I'm realizing that the 2 ducks now resting have been silent, which is why I've noticed the coop sounding so different last 2 days. Their voices are gone, which leads me to believe aspergillosis.

I can't move the wood chips out of the area, but I hosed them down, and will do so again in the morning. Not going to dig into the pile at all anymore.

Anyone have experience w Asper? My understanding is no cure, but it is possible to recover. No other ducks or chickens have labored breathing, but obviously I am going to watch super close. Any advice welcome.

 

[Kiki]

Have you see this thread: #1

 

[muscovylove]

Have you see this thread: #1

Thanks! Checked it out. I kept the ducks isolated, fed watermelon and water with vitamins and probiotics. Used Vet RX on the bill by the nostrils and on the chest. Neither duck is mouth breathing now, which I am going to take as progress. Sad about losing my Ancona, but I hope I am preventing more losses.

 

[amanda1]

A vet in Ohio says he can cure aspergillosis with a fungicide. Yours doesn't sound like aspergillosis, it usually comes on much slower. I hope your ducks are better now!

 

[muscovylove]

It was a sudden onset. I only lost one duck though. One has healed really well, and one still seems to have difficulty breathing when it is hot. I feel lucky that it was only one duck loss. Lesson learned.