Avian Aspergillosis: experiences in raptor rehabilitation

Abstract

Raptors, also called the birds of prey, are a group of birds, including eagles, hawks, falcons, owls, and vultures, which are threatened with declining populations and extinction globally. Commonly found at the highest trophic level, raptors are important top down regulators in ecosystems, helping to manage prey populations by acting as predators and controlling disease and aiding in nutrient recycling by acting as scavengers. Because of their importance in ecosystem health, and in providing valuable ecosystem services to humans, raptor conservation and rehabilitation is an important field. Rehabilitation centers assist raptors that are sick or injured, allowing them to recover so that they may be released, helping prevent the loss of that individual from the population. A large threat to raptors in rehabilitation programs is the fungal respiratory infection Aspergillosis. Aspergillosis is a zoonotic disease with high mortality rates that affects a wide range of animals, however birds, especially raptors in rehabilitation programs, have one of the highest risks of infection. This thesis acts as a literature review for avian aspergillosis, highlighting its importance in rehabilitation and conservation of raptors. It details the risk factors of infection, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of the disease. In addition, it addresses the emergence of azole resistance in the fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus from a One Health perspective, highlighting the connection between birds, the spread of resistant strains through the environment, and the potential for human infection. In addition, it includes a reflection on time spent working in raptor rehabilitation.