Fatal Disseminated Aspergillosis in a Captive Female Bearded Vulture (Gypaetus barbatus)

Background: Aspergillosis is an opportunistic fungal disease that represents a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in captive avian populations, particularly in raptors and vultures. This species is unique for its specialized diet of bones. Methods: This report details the clinical, necropsy, and histopathological findings of a fatal case of disseminated aspergillosis in Bearded Vulture (Gypaetus barbatus) (captive birds) that was part of a captive breeding program. For definitive diagnosis, genomic DNA was extracted from the lesioned tissues, and conventional Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was performed. Results: Three Bearded Vulture (Gypaetus barbatus) were referred to the pathology laboratory because of the sudden death. They were housed in a bird garden in Tabriz. Necropsy revealed multiple, firm, white-to-yellow granulomas within the lungs, air sacs, liver, and spleen (indicating systemic dissemination). Histopathological examination demonstrated a pyogranulomatous inflammatory response with multinucleated giant cells and importantly, the presence of septate fungal hyphae. Molecular analysis, utilizing sequencing of the amplified PCR product, definitively confirmed the presence of the Aspergillus gene. Conclusion: A significant challenge in captive breeding and conservation programs is the species' high susceptibility to aspergillosis, an opportunistic fungal disease commonly affecting birds. This case report underscores the critical need for rigorous preventive measures and meticulous husbandry in captive environments to mitigate the risk of this devastating disease in a vulnerable species. Given that tree trunks were used in the cages of these birds (for the birds to sit on), it appears that this infection was caused by fungal growth on this wooden substrate.

کلیدواژه ها:

Aspergillosis ، captive birds ، pathology ، sudden death