Opportunistic infection of Aspergillus and bacteria in captive Cape vultures (Gyps coprotheres)

Abstract

Objective: To describe clinical signs, pathology, diagnosis and treatment of Cape vultures in which Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus) and mixed species of bacteria were isolated. Methods: Six Cape vultures sourced from South Africa for exhibition at Al Ain Zoo developed illness manifesting as anorexia, dyspnea, polyuria and lethargy. Three vultures died manifesting ''pneumonia-like syndrome''. These three vultures were necropsied and gross lesions recorded, while organ tissues were collected for histopathology. Internal organs were swabbed for bacteriology and mycology. From live vultures, blood was collected for hematology and biochemistry, oropharyngeal and cloacal swabs were collected for mycology and bacteriology. Results: A. fumigatus was isolated from the three dead vultures and two live ones that eventually survived. One of the dead vulture and two live vultures were co-infected with A. fumigatus and mixed species of bacteria that included Clostridium perfringens, Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus, Escherichia, Proteus, Enterococcus and Enterbacter. One of the Cape vulture and a Lappetfaced vulture, however, were free of Aspergillus or bacterial infections. At necropsy, intestinal hemorrhages were observed and the lungs were overtly congested with granulomas present on caudal air sac. Histopathological examinations demonstrated granulomatous lesions that were infiltrated by mononuclear cells and giant cells. Conclusions: Aspergillosis is a persistent threat to captive birds and we recommend routine health assessments so that early diagnosis may prompt early treatment. It is likely that prompt prophylaxis by broad spectrum antibiotics and antifungals medication contributed to the survival of some of the vultures.

Implications of bacterial, viral and mycotic microorganisms in vultures for wildlife conservation, ecosystem services and public health

“…While aspergillosis is a common problem in captive individuals (Chege et al . 2013), some studies in wild Cinereous and Himalayan Gyps himalayensis Vultures have reported cases of pneumonia due to Aspergillus spp. probably associated with concomitant pathologies that produce an immune alteration, suggesting that this fungus could be an opportunistic pathogen for vultures that should be evaluated (Jung et al .…”

Aspergillosis in Wild Birds

“…They do not always indicate whether aspergillosis is a primary or secondary infection. Reported intercurrent diseases include tuberculosis in birds of prey and in an egret Egretta thula [ 25 , 94 , 128 ], salmonellosis in loons [ 109 ], polymicrobial infection in Cape vultures ( Gyps coprotheres ) [ 129 ], botulism in shore birds [ 81 ], psittacine beak and feather disease and Budgerigar fledging disease in an African grey parrot [ 130 ], Eastern equine encephalitis in African penguins [ 122 ], hepatitis E virus infection in Himalayan griffons ( Gyps himalayensis ) [ 21 ], Pox virus infection in a royal tern ( Thalasseus maximus ) [ 13 ], avian malaria in Magellanic penguins [ 116 , 131 ], helminthosis in a black-eared milan ( Milvus migrans ) [ 98 ], a blue jay ( Cyanocitta cristata ) [ 132 ] or a herring gull [ 133 ], tracheal trematodosis in swans [ 71 ], sarcocystosis in parrots [ 104 ], trichomonosis in raptors [ 134 , 135 ], and amebiasis in great blue turacos ( Corythaeola cistata ) [ 136 ]. The use of broad-spectrum antibiotics and immunosuppressive therapies (corticosteroids) can stimulate the occurrence of fungal pathogens in debilitated birds [ 23 , 107 , 137 ].…”

Aspergillosis, Avian Species and the One Health Perspective: The Possible Importance of Birds in Azole Resistance

“…The emergence of azole resistance in A. fumigatus sensu stricto deserves special attention, since this is the most common species of Aspergillus related to human and animal aspergillosis, as stated. In addition, given the limited availability of antifungal drugs to treat fungal infections, this increase Aspergillosis is also a concern given the high mortality of wild birds kept in captivity, such as zoological institutions, avian wildlife rehabilitation centers, and captive birds of prey used for falconry [54][55][56]73,74]. In wildlife rehabilitation centers, aspergillosis is considered an important fungal disease for penguins in rehabilitation [54], with a mortality rate of~50% in Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) in captivity [12].…”

“…Aspergillosis is also a concern given the high mortality of wild birds kept in captivity, such as zoological institutions, avian wildlife rehabilitation centers, and captive birds of prey used for falconry [ 54 , 55 , 56 , 73 , 74 ]. In wildlife rehabilitation centers, aspergillosis is considered an important fungal disease for penguins in rehabilitation [ 54 ], with a mortality rate of ~50% in Magellanic penguins ( Spheniscus magellanicus ) in captivity [ 12 ].…”