International-Poultry-Prod-Vol_25-no-7-mycosis-Turkeys-BioPoint
The article discusses the most common fungal infections in turkeys, aspergillosis and candidiasis, which pose significant health risks, especially under poor rearing conditions, mold-contaminated bedding or feed, vitamin deficiencies, and weakened immunity.
Aspergillosis
Caused by: Aspergillus fumigatus, A. flavus, A. niger, A. nidulans
- One of the most dangerous diseases in turkey poults, primarily affecting birds within the first two weeks of life.
- Infection occurs through inhalation of fungal spores, which penetrate the respiratory tract, reaching the parabronchi and air capillaries before entering the circulatory system.
- Symptoms: Sudden mortality, dyspnea, gasping, neck stretching, and closed eyes.
- Post-mortem findings: Whitish fungal nodules in lungs and air sacs, hyperemia of the respiratory tract, fungal lesions in the brain, necrotic nasal turbinates, and sometimes fungal growth on the cornea.
- Prevention: Preferred method of control as treatment is difficult and often ineffective.
Candidiasis
Caused by: Candida albicans, C. crusei, C. tropicalis
- A foodborne fungal infection, affecting birds typically younger than three weeks, sometimes appearing in 11-14 week-old birds.
- Causes: Contaminated feed, water, or bedding; prolonged antibiotic treatments that disrupt natural gut flora.
- Symptoms: Loss of appetite, growth inhibition, ruffled feathers, pendulous crop, neck stretching, and beak opening.
- Post-mortem findings: White/yellow pseudomembrane covering the crop, esophagus, and proventriculus, ulcerations under the coating.
Control and Prevention Strategies
- Prophylaxis:
- Defungal (200ml/1000L drinking water) – Used for 3-5 days from the first week of life.
- Mintamix & Defungal spray (200ml/10L warm water) – Applied 2-3 times per week in the first two weeks.
- During an Outbreak:
- Barn fumigation with enilconazole.
- Defungal (200ml/1000L drinking water for five days).
- Additional Defungal spray between enilconazole applications.
Conclusion
Prevention is the best approach to fungal infections in turkeys, as treatment is often challenging. Proper biosecurity, sanitation, and the use of herbal preparations (Defungal, Mintamix) can help reduce fungal outbreaks and improve flock health.