Diagnosing and Treating Aspergillosis in Birds: Insights for Providing Effective Avian Care

Aspergillosis is one of the most common fungal infections diagnosed in avian patients. However, despite its prevalence, treating aspergillosis in birds can be complicated and often requires a multifaceted approach. From antifungal medications to supportive care and environmental control, there are several strategies veterinarians and bird owners can leverage to manage the disease and improve outcomes. With the right diagnosis and treatment plan, many birds can recover or enjoy long-term disease management.

What is Aspergillosis in Birds?

Aspergillosis in birds is a progressive, often chronic fungal infection caused by a species of fungus known as Aspergillus, most commonly Aspergillus fumigatus. This fungus is ubiquitous in the environment, especially in organic matter like soil and compost, damp nesting materials, moldy or spoiled food or poorly ventilated cages or aviaries.

Importantly, not every bird exposed to Aspergillus will develop aspergillosis. Healthy birds often clear the spores without issue—but if their immune system is compromised, the spores may colonize and cause disease. Since aspergillosis is caused by inhaling fungal spores from the environment, rather than spreading from bird to bird, the disease is not considered contagious. 

Aspergillosis typically presents as a respiratory illness in birds, with the fungus invading either the upper or lower respiratory tract, or both. The infection develops slowly over time, often causing damage to the air sacs, lungs, and in severe cases, spreading systemically through the bloodstream to other internal organs. In some birds, secondary bacterial infections may arise, further complicating treatment.

Which Bird Species Are Affected by Aspergillosis?

Aspergillosis can affect a wide range of avian species, as well as some mammals. However, certain birds are particularly vulnerable due to their environment or biological makeup. Waterfowl (such as ducks and geese), raptors (including hawks and eagles) and gulls are among the most commonly affected species. Among pet birds, the African Gray, Amazon and Pionus parrots are affected most often.

Waterfowl specifically often become infected during the fall and early winter when they gather in large flocks near agricultural fields. These fields may contain moldy waste grain that provides a fertile environment for Aspergillus growth. To reduce the risk of infection, farmers can take preventive actions such as plowing under moldy crop residue, covering or composting waste grain and using auditory deterrents to discourage bird feeding on spoiled grain. 

Inadequate hygiene and improper housing conditions can increase the risk of aspergillosis in pet birds. Damp bedding or food, high humidity, insufficient ventilation and infrequent cage cleaning contribute to a buildup of fungal spores in the environment. Certain types of bedding, such as walnut shells or corn cob, are particularly prone to supporting fungal growth. Birds can become sick by breathing in or swallowing large amounts of these spores.

Understanding the Cause of Aspergillosis in Birds

As mentioned previously, the leading cause of aspergillosis in birds is environmental exposure to fungal spores found in a variety of common places. Aspergillus spores are highly resistant to disinfection, making eradication from the environment challenging. 

While exposure alone may not result in illness, immune suppression increases a bird’s risk of developing aspergillosis. These factors can contribute to weakened immune system:

• Chronic or viral infections
• Prolonged antibiotic therapy
• Use of corticosteroids
• Excess stress
• Poor hygiene or sanitation
• Exposure to respiratory irritants like smoke or dust
• Nutritional deficiencies, especially low Vitamin A from all-seed diets

Exploring Common Symptoms of Aspergillosis in Birds

Diagnosing aspergillosis early can be difficult due to its subtle and non-specific symptoms in the beginning stages. It may also mimic other avian respiratory illnesses.

Watch for these potential signs of aspergillosis in birds:

• Coughing: Birds may show signs of irritation in the upper respiratory tract as fungal spores begin to colonize the airways. Coughs may be soft and intermittent at first but can worsen over time.
• Labored Breathing: Difficulty breathing is a hallmark of aspergillosis, especially as the infection spreads to the lower respiratory system. Open-mouth breathing, wheezing or audible respiratory effort are serious warning signs.
• Tail Bobbing: This reflexive movement, in which the tail moves up and down with each breath, indicates increased respiratory effort and is often seen in birds with compromised lung function.
• Lethargy: As the body works to fight off the infection, affected birds may become noticeably less active or responsive, reluctant to fly or even have dropped wings.
• Weight Loss: Birds with aspergillosis may have a reduced appetite, eventually leading them to lose weight.
• Fluffed-up Feathers: This is a general sign of discomfort or illness in birds. The fluffed feathers help birds conserve heat when sick.

If the infection progresses to involve internal organs, neurologic symptoms or systemic signs such as incoordination may appear. A bird showing any of these symptoms should be treated promptly with veterinary care.

Diagnosing Aspergillosis: Leveraging a Combination of Tests

Veterinarians play a key role in determining whether aspergillosis is the cause of a bird’s illness and developing an appropriate treatment plan. Importantly, there is no single test that definitively confirms the disease. Instead, a combination of diagnostics is typically required. Early diagnosis and swift initiation of treatment significantly increase the chances of recovery.

Tests may include:

• Complete Blood Count (CBC): A CBC may reveal elevated white blood cell levels, which can indicate an infection.
• X-rays: Radiographs can help identify lesions in the lungs, thickening of the air sacs, secondary infections such as pneumonia or other signs of respiratory disease.
• Antibody Tests: These tests may detect the presence of antibodies in response to Aspergillus, although it is important to note that healthy birds can also have these antibodies.
• DNA Tests: These tests can detect fungal DNA in tissue or blood samples.
• Surgical Laparoscopy: This procedure allows for direct visualization of the trachea, lungs, air sacs and sinuses, enabling veterinarians to obtain and analyze samples from suspected fungal lesions.
• Lesion Sample Testing: Veterinary laboratories can examine these lesion samples under a microscope and culture them to more accurately confirm the presence of aspergillosis.

How to Treat ​ Aspergillosis in Birds

Once aspergillosis is diagnosed, treatment should start as soon as possible—but managing the disease is not always easy. Birds sometimes require hospitalization during the initial treatment phase, followed by weeks or months of ongoing care. Some may need lifelong disease management.

Fortunately, Mixlab offers free next-day delivery and compounded medications in bird-friendly formulations—an ideal solution for owners and veterinarians managing this complex condition. Birds often require small, precisely dosed medications, and some commercial products may contain ingredients that are unsafe or unpalatable for avian patients. 

That’s why Mixlab’s trusted exotics pharmacy specializes in preparing customized formulations that are both safe and easy to administer. To further support compliance, medications can be flavored to appeal to a bird’s preferences, with our most popular options for birds being Apple, Banana and Mango/Passion Fruit.

Antifungal Medications

Antifungal medications are the cornerstone of treatment for aspergillosis in birds. Medications available through Mixlab, such as itraconazole and voriconazole, are commonly prescribed for avian patients. These antifungals disrupt the synthesis of ergosterol, an essential component of fungal cell membranes, thereby weakening and eventually killing the fungal cells responsible for the infection.

Treatment with antifungals often needs to be prolonged, sometimes lasting weeks or even months, depending on the severity of the infection and the bird’s response. Since some antifungal drugs can have side effects or interact with other medications, a veterinarian should oversee their use to ensure both safety and effectiveness.

Anti-inflammatory Medications

Although anti-inflammatory medications do not directly target fungal infections, they can play an important role in supportive care for birds with aspergillosis. These medications can reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract, making breathing easier and improving a bird’s overall comfort during treatment. 

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as meloxicam, are also sometimes prescribed to manage pain and swelling. Inhaled anti-inflammatory medications like fluticasone may also be recommended to provide relief directly within the lungs and air sacs. These medications should only be used under the guidance of a veterinarian, as improper use can suppress a bird’s immune system or lead to other complications.

Surgical Removal

In some cases, particularly when large fungal growths may be obstructing a bird’s airways or causing localized damage, surgical intervention may be an option. However, surgical removal of these fungal growths is a very specialized and risky procedure typically done by only highly experienced avian veterinarians.

The risks can include complications from anesthesia, bleeding and further damage to surrounding tissues. Despite the challenges, surgery may be the best option when other treatments aren’t working or when a fungal mass is threatening a bird’s life. After surgery, veterinarians will provide intensive postoperative care, likely including continued antifungal therapy and other supportive measures.

Oxygen Therapy

Oxygen therapy involves providing a bird with a higher concentration of oxygen than is found in ambient air, helping to relieve breathing difficulties and ensure adequate oxygenation of their tissues. Birds with lung or air sac involvement may struggle to extract enough oxygen on their own, and supplemental oxygen can bridge that gap during the acute phase of the illness.

Warmth

Maintaining an appropriate environmental temperature can significantly support recovery for birds with aspergillosis. Birds are especially vulnerable to hypothermia when they are sick, which can worsen their condition and delay recovery. 

In general, providing a warm environment reduces the metabolic energy a bird must expend to stay warm, allowing more energy to be directed toward healing and immune function. Warmth also supports better blood circulation, helping deliver oxygen and nutrients to tissues and promoting a stronger immune response. Additionally, warm air can help soothe inflamed respiratory passages, making breathing easier. 

Given all the benefits, veterinary professionals and bird owners should aim to maintain an ambient temperature between 85°F and 90°F (29°C to 32°C) during the recovery period.

Environmental Management

Since fungal spores are commonly found in the environment—especially in damp, moldy or dusty areas—limiting a bird’s exposure to these spores can support recovery and reduce the risk of reinfection. This may involve thoroughly cleaning a bird’s habitat, removing any moldy or contaminated materials and taking steps to ensure the air is clean and dust-free. Using air purifiers or HEPA filters can help reduce airborne particles and fungal spores.

Force-feeding

While some birds with aspergillosis keep eating as normal, others do experience a loss of appetite. In severe cases, this can lead to malnutrition and weaken their immune response. Force-feeding may become a necessary intervention to provide adequate nutritional support. 

This process involves carefully administering a high-quality, nutrient-rich feeding formula directly into the bird’s crop using a feeding syringe or tube. Force-feeding ensures the bird receives essential calories, proteins and vitamins that are critical for maintaining their bodily functions and promoting healing. 

Additionally, medications such as antifungals or vitamin supplements can be mixed into the feeding formula, making force-feeding a dual-purpose method for both nourishment and medication delivery. It must be done gently and correctly to avoid aspiration or injury, ideally under veterinary guidance or by a trained caregiver.

Treatment of Underlying Conditions

The long-term goal of aspergillosis treatment is to strengthen a bird’s immune system to better resist and recover from the infection. This often means addressing any underlying conditions that may have compromised the bird’s health in the first place.

Depending on the situation, this may involve changing the bird’s diet, improving environmental conditions or administering additional medications to manage other health issues. A holistic approach that supports overall wellness and immune function provides the best chance for successful treatment of aspergillosis and a return to health.

The Trusted Exotics Pharmacy for Aspergillosis in Birds

Aspergillosis in birds is a complex and sometimes difficult-to-manage condition that requires precise dosing, bird-safe ingredients and a deep understanding of avian medicine. Mixlab is proud to be a trusted exotics pharmacy providing compounded antifungals, anti-inflammatories and other medications in formulas and flavors made for birds. All of our medications are available with fast, free next-day delivery, ensuring timely access when every hour counts.

We know that no two birds—or cases—are exactly alike. Whether you're treating a pet parrot, a rehabilitated raptor or a zoo resident, our team is here to provide solutions tailored to each bird’s needs. Simply submit your prescription online or reach out to our knowledgeable and compassionate team to discover how Mixlab can support your bird patients or pets with the highest quality medications and truly personalized care.