Outbreaks of aspergillosis in broiler chicks

The outbreaks of Aspergillosis in broiler chicks were observed from January to February, 2001 in three poultry farms. The disease was detected on the basis of clinical signs, gross and histopathological findings. The causative agent, Aspergillus fumigatus was detected in cultural examination. Higher morbidity (45.0% and 50.0%) and mortality (22.0% and 27.0%) rate were recorded in two out of three farms respectively in poor hygienic conditions even along with use of several antibiotics and vaccination with Ranikhet Disease LaSota strain vaccine. On the contrary, low morbidity (17.08%) and mortality (6.41%) were noted in better farm where good hygiene and management were maintained as well as single antibiotic and Ranikhet disease F strain vaccine were used. Contaminated litter was detected as source of mycotic infection in two farms having high morbidity and mortality, whereas egg-borne infection might have been prevalent in the remaining farm with low morbidity and mortality. The disease was ultimately controlled by removal of primary source of infection (litter) with correction of predisposing factors and effective antimycotic drug therapy (haymycin and vinegar 0.1% with copper sulphate solution 0.05% in drinking water).