Trichomoniasis & Aspergillosis Flashcards
(15 cards)
A raptor presents with significant weight loss, lethargy, and necrotic lesions primarily observed in the liver, with minimal or no involvement of the oral cavity. Upon further investigation, the bird is confirmed to have consumed infected prey. What is the causative agents most likely responsible for this presentation?
Trichomonas gallinae or T. stableri, with the liver lesions being a common manifestation in raptors due to ingestion of infected birds.
A flock of domestic pigeons exhibits rapid onset of illness, characterized by severe dysphagia, inability to close their mouths, and a watery ocular discharge progressing to exudate around the eyes. Examination reveals extensive yellowish, caseous masses in the oral cavity and esophagus, extending into the proventriculus, along with “yellow buttons” in the crop. Which of the following statements regarding the diagnosis and differentiation of this condition is most accurate?
A) The presence of “yellow buttons” is pathognomonic for trichomonosis, making further diagnostic confirmation unnecessary.
B) The clinical presentation is highly suggestive of trichomonosis, but similar lesions can be observed in fowl pox, thus necessitating microscopic examination of oral smears for definitive diagnosis.
C) Due to the involvement of the proventriculus and crop, histomoniasis should be immediately suspected and differentiated through serological testing.
D) While the clinical signs are consistent with trichomonosis, the involvement of the proventriculus and the presence of “yellow buttons” are characteristic of a more aggressive bacterial infection, not typically seen in protozoal diseases.
The clinical presentation is highly suggestive of trichomonosis, but similar lesions can be observed in fowl pox, thus necessitating microscopic examination of oral smears for definitive diagnosis.
An outbreak of trichomonosis is confirmed in a commercial chicken operation, with high morbidity and some mortality among young birds. The farm manager suspects contaminated drinking water as the primary source of infection. To effectively manage and prevent future outbreaks, what is the most effective control measures, considering the parasite’s survival characteristics?
Implement a strict regimen of daily cleaning and disinfection of all waterers with a 10% bleach solution, and remove waterers for a period of 2 weeks if an outbreak is suspected.
A severe outbreak of respiratory disease is observed in a commercial turkey flock, primarily affecting birds between 7 and 40 days old. Clinical signs include dyspnea, somnolence, and increased thirst. Post-mortem examination reveals numerous white to yellow plaques and nodules in the lungs and air sacs, some several centimeters in diameter. Which of the following is the most probable epidemiological factor contributing to this outbreak?
A) The introduction of an older, asymptomatically infected turkey into the flock, leading to horizontal transmission of the fungal spores.
B) Inhalation of a high concentration of Aspergillus fumigatus spores during hatching in a contaminated incubator or from mold-bearing litter.
C) Consumption of feed contaminated with a highly pathogenic bacterial strain that causes respiratory and systemic lesions mimicking fungal infections.
D) A sudden drop in environmental temperature, predisposing the young turkeys to a opportunistic viral infection with secondary fungal overgrowth.
Inhalation of a high concentration of Aspergillus fumigatus spores during hatching in a contaminated incubator or from mold-bearing litter.
An avian veterinarian suspects aspergillosis in a flock of broiler chickens experiencing respiratory distress and elevated mortality. Gross post-mortem examination reveals pulmonary lesions consistent with fungal plaques and nodules. To confirm the diagnosis, which of the following laboratory procedures is most likely to yield a definitive result?
A) Rapid antigen detection immunoassay performed on tracheal washes to identify Aspergillus antigens.
B) Microscopic examination of fresh lung tissue teased apart and placed on a suitable medium, followed by culture to obtain a pure growth of the causative organism.
C) Serological testing for antibodies against common avian respiratory pathogens, including Aspergillus, to determine exposure levels.
D) Isolation of bacteria from lung lesions on selective media, as secondary bacterial infections are often the primary cause of such widespread lesions.
B) Microscopic examination of fresh lung tissue teased apart and placed on a suitable medium, followed by culture to obtain a pure growth of the causative organism.
A flock of laying hens presents with an unusual ocular discharge and corneal opacities. Upon examination, large mycotic plaques are observed and can be expressed from the medial canthus of several birds. Based on the provided information, what is the most likely diagnosis and its characteristic form?
Aspergillosis, specifically the ocular form known as mycotic keratitis, seen in chickens and turkeys.
What is another common name for trichomonosis in domestic fowl, pigeons, and doves?
Canker
Primary causative organism of trichomonosis
Trichomonas gallinae
How do pigeons and doves commonly transmit trichomonosis to their offspring?
In contaminated pigeon milk
What is a common clinical sign of trichomonosis in the mouth and throat of affected birds?
Small, yellowish areas that grow into masses
Which internal organ is most frequently affected by lesions in birds with trichomonosis?
Liver
What is a common cause of aspergillosis?
Aspergillus fumigatus
In young chicks and poults, how is aspergillosis commonly contracted?
By inhaling large numbers of spores during hatching or from mold-bearing litter
