Presumptive Aspergillosis in Jardine’s Parrot (Poicephalus qulielmi)
An adult female Jardine’s parrot presented for evaluation of a one day history of lethargy, inappetence, and piloerection. Physical exam revealed thin body condition, ragged contour feathers, piloerection, and quiet attitude, but was otherwise unremarkable. The bird was placed under general anesthesia for radiographs and after recovery from anesthesia arrested. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation was unsuccessful and the bird died. Histopathology of lesions found during necropsy were consistent with severe mycotic pneumonia and features of the fungi observed were consistent with Aspergillus species. Therefore, a presumptive diagnosis of aspergillosis was made. The pathogenesis, clinical signs, diagnosis, and treatment of aspergillosis in birds is discussed.