<Article> ASPERGILLUS –A few facts on how it affects parrots...

12-01-2007, 06:16 AM

ASPERGILLUS –A few facts on how it affects parrots...

THE BIRD AND ANIMAL HOSPITAL
12521 So. Dixie Hwy., Miami FL 33156
Thomas L. Goldsmith DVM MS
305 259 6677

There is a very common fungus found all around us that appears to have been infecting pet parrots at levels never dreamt of in our worst nightmares. In every pinch of dirt, speck of dust, and scoop of corncob bedding, are spores of at least one species of this type of fungus: Aspergillus. As a result of newly developed blood tests it is now possible to screen your pet or breeder bird for this infection. [Read on...]

12-01-2007, 06:29 AM

Quoted from a paragraph in the article;

Quote:

Wildlife Centers that rehabilitated birds of prey realized that most of their patients were becoming infected with Aspergillus. In order to diagnose these cases earlier, the Minnesota Raptor Center developed a blood test. This was a tremendous help, but not yet reliable or dependable for infections in parrots. But now because of research at the University of Miami, we have the first test that allows us to screen parrots for early or mild infections. The results have been wonderful, and very scary. There is more Aspergillus infection in exotic birds than ever dreamed of.

I was told a little over a year ago that the "Minnesota Raptor Center " was the only accredited facility to run Asper test screening. I have not done any follow-up since then to find out what new screening measures Miami now has in place. I have had Asper screening done at both places, Miami and Minnesota.

12-01-2007, 06:36 AM

Great article Karen!

12-01-2007, 06:59 AM

I also wanted to add that Asper screening is a test I have run along with the others, with their yearly check-ups.

Asper can be deadly so needless to say, the earlier you catch it the better the bird's chances are.

Kita was one of the lucky ones that made it through, despite my AV saying she was 2 weeks away from dead, when we walked through the door. It was a long costly treatment. She was treated for over 4 months.

One of the new drugs that has been proven to be very successful in Asper treatment is Lamisil (Terbinafine).

12-02-2007, 05:16 AM

Great Artical, and very informitive! I will keep this in mind and make sure I can have them tested at their next check up. Thanks oodles for sharing that with all of us. We can never be to careful with our winged angels.

Hug's
Judy

06-29-2008, 09:06 PM

Thats very cool thanks for the posting it.