The Belgorod testing laboratory of the Federal State Budgetary Institution "VNIIZZH" has identified the causative agent of aspergillosis of birds in samples of litter material from a poultry farm

Since the beginning of the year, the department’s specialists have conducted 166 studies to diagnose mycoses, and in 4 cases the results were positive.

Aspergillosis is a disease related to mycoses, which most often affects the respiratory organs of birds, less often - the intestines, liver, spleen, kidneys, brain and eyes. The death rate of young animals from aspergillosis can reach 45-90%. The causative agent of the disease is pathogenic fungi of the genus Aspergillus.

Contaminated poultry litter can often be a source of spores of pathogenic Aspergillus fungi. In addition, an outbreak of the disease can occur when the resistance of birds to the effects of microorganisms is impaired under the influence of such factors as: stress, immunosuppressive drugs, unbalanced diet, violation of microclimate parameters in the premises for birds, dustiness of the ventilation system, failure to maintain cleanliness of feeders.

To prevent aspergillosis, it is recommended to use high-quality feed and bedding materials, regularly disinfect the premises for birds, provide optimal conditions for keeping, and vaccinate against aspergillosis. Compliance with these measures will reduce the risk of occurrence and spread of aspergillosis in poultry farms.