{"id":117415,"date":"2024-02-19T03:00:20","date_gmt":"2024-02-19T08:00:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/admin.hobbyfarms.com\/?p=117415"},"modified":"2024-02-22T09:09:52","modified_gmt":"2024-02-22T14:09:52","slug":"aspergillosis-in-ducks-how-to-prevent-treat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hobbyfarms.com\/aspergillosis-in-ducks-how-to-prevent-treat\/","title":{"rendered":"Aspergillosis In Ducks: How to Prevent & Treat"},"content":{"rendered":"

Aspergillosis in backyard ducks can turn fatal, however, it can be prevented and treated with good management and help from an experienced veterinarian. Here’s how to prevent, treat, and diagnose this common disease.<\/p>\n

What is Aspergillosis?<\/h2>\n

Aspergillosis is a common, noncontagious fungal infection<\/a><\/strong> known as Aspergillus spp. Although humans, livestock and all poultry species are susceptible, waterfowl are more vulnerable to this fungal infection than other species.<\/p>\n

Aspergillus spp. comes in two forms: acute and chronic, with the latter being the more common in backyard duck flocks. Chronic Aspergillus usually occurs after ducks have been subjected to frequent antibiotics or have other health issues. Aspergillus affects the lower and upper respiratory tracts but can affect organs if left untreated.\u00a0 This fungus is an opportunist found in air, dust, feed, grains, hay, soil or straw.<\/p>\n

Common in warm climates with high humidity, this disease thrives best in conditions 77\u00b0F or above and exists worldwide.<\/p>\n

Why Waterfowl?<\/h2>\n

Why are ducks and geese more susceptible to Aspergillus spp. than other livestock? Like all poultry, ducks and geese have sensitive airways and are prone to respiratory illness. However, waterfowl need water<\/a><\/strong> so they tend to live in wetter environments than chickens or turkeys<\/a><\/strong>, making their coop and run more likely to breed fungi.<\/p>\n

Aspergillosis Prevention<\/h2>\n

Like many fungal infections, Aspergillus spp. is an airborne fungus that enters the airways through inhalation. So, keeping a tidy and dry coop and run can go a long way in preventing ducks from contracting this disease. However, you don\u2019t need to go into a cleaning frenzy.\u00a0 The tips below can help eliminate the risk of aspergillosis in your flock.<\/p>\n

1. Forgo the Hay<\/h4>\n

Hay is considered a green bedding material and has a greater risk of carrying Aspergillus spp. and other mold spores than brown bedding<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"Lots
a straw bed for duck<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

2. Say Yes to Straw<\/h4>\n

This brown bedding consists of dead grain stalks, such as barley, oats, or wheat, and while it can carry Aspergillus spp., the risks are considerably less than using hay or other green bedding.<\/p>\n

3. Check the Feed<\/h4>\n

While providing ducks with a well-balanced feed, with supplements<\/a><\/strong> as needed, is one of the best ways to prevent Aspergillosis, did you know that even good feed can go moldy? Before feeding a new bag of feed, check to make sure the feed is not moist, wet or moldy.\u00a0 Store feed in metal trash cans to help preserve shelf life and keep feed dry.<\/p>\n

5. Clear the Table<\/h4>\n

Allowing ducks to feed for 20 minutes in the morning and again in the evening will prevent overeating, reduce feed spills and cut down on rodent populations. Daily cleaning up spilled feed, leftover table scraps and uneaten fruits and vegetables reduces the chance of fungi growing in the coop or run.<\/p>\n

6. Clean, Clean, Clean!<\/h4>\n

Once a week, removing wet or soiled bedding from the coop will help keep ducks dry and reduce any chances of Aspergillus from entering the coop. Scrubbing water buckets and food bowls will also aid in the prevention of bacteria, yeast and molds from growing. Always dry food bowls or feeders before refilling with fresh feed.<\/p>\n

Other ways to prevent aspergillosis from taking up residence in your flock include maximizing ventilation and not overcrowding the coop or run.<\/p>\n

Aspergillosis Symptoms<\/h2>\n

Aspergillus spp. is a serious respiratory condition that can be difficult to diagnose. If your duck exhibits any of these symptoms, take them to a qualified veterinarian immediately. Symptoms include the following.<\/p>\n