title: 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 Lappet-faced 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.
authors: Life Sciences Department, Al Ain Wildlife Park and Resort, P.O. Box 1204, Al Ain, UAE.
authors: Stephen
authors: S
authors: Chege
authors: Judith
authors: J
authors: Howlett
authors: Majid
authors: M
authors: Al Qassimi
authors: Arshad
authors: A
authors: Toosy
authors: Joerg
authors: J
authors: Kinne
authors: Vincent
authors: V
authors: Obanda
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000836:Animals, Zoo; D001228:Aspergillosis / Q000662:veterinary*; D001230:Aspergillus; D001419:Bacteria; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000662:veterinary*; D001715:Bird Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000382:microbiology*; D001717:Birds / Q000382:microbiology*; D006099:Granuloma / Q000473:pathology; D009336:Necrosis; D009894:Opportunistic Infections
keywords: Aspergillosis; Aspergillus; Bacteria; Cape vultures; Wild birds
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