Aspergillus fumigatus infection in a green parrot

Aspergillosis is a common mycotic disease of parrots which occurs as an acute infection of young parrots. The dehydrated and emaciated carcass of a 1-year-old green parrot was referred for post-mortem examination. On necropsy, disseminated variably sized granulomas were seen. At microscopic examination, they were found to contain intra-lesional septate and branching fungal hyphae. Lesions were extensive around the thoracic inlet and abdominal cavity. Aspergillus fumigatus was cultured from the visceral and thoracic granulomas. The source of exposure to the microorganism was not determined.