Aspergillosis and Its Impact in Iraq
Dr. Majed Hamed Al Sayeg/ poultry pathologist/ Australia
Introduction to Aspergillosis and Its Impact in Iraq
Aspergillosis, caused by Aspergillus species (particularly Aspergillus fumigatus), is a fungal disease primarily affecting the respiratory system of poultry. It can also impact other systems, such as the nervous and ocular systems. In Iraq, particularly in the Duhok region, outbreaks of Aspergillosis in commercial broiler chickens were reported between February and May 2015. This study focused on a single hatchery in Duhok, examining how the infection spread and its effects on poultry health and farm productivity.
Role of the Hatchery in Disease Transmission
The study emphasizes that the specific hatchery was the primary source of infection for the newly hatched chicks. Hatcheries can play a critical role in the transmission of fungal infections, as fungal spores can penetrate the egg shells and cause infection immediately after hatching. Fungal contamination inside the hatchery can lead to widespread infection among the chicks. The study found that the hatchery in question was contaminated with Aspergillus during the outbreak, highlighting the importance of proper cleaning and disinfection to prevent the spread of the infection.
Clinical Symptoms and Pathological Changes in Infected Chicks
The chicks affected in this hatchery exhibited clear clinical signs, including:
Dyspnea (labored breathing) and gasping, which are indicative of respiratory involvement.
Neurological symptoms such as torticollis, lack of coordination, and paralysis.
Depression, ruffled feathers, and progressive emaciation.
Post-mortem examination revealed characteristic lesions, with yellowish-white granulomas found in the lungs and air sacs. Histopathological analysis showed severe necrosis in lung tissues, with fungal hyphae detected in the affected areas, confirming the fungal etiology of the disease.
Environmental Factors and Their Role in Disease Transmission in the Hatchery
The study highlights the importance of environmental factors in this particular hatchery in facilitating the spread of Aspergillosis. Dry air and dust were the main contributing factors, as they caused the respiratory mucosa of the chicks to dry out, making them more vulnerable to fungal spores. The hatchery’s ventilation system was inadequate, which contributed to increased fungal contamination. Better control of humidity and air quality in the hatchery could have significantly reduced the risk of infection.
Sanitation and Management Practices in the Hatchery
The study underscores the need for strict sanitation practices within the hatchery that was the source of the infection. Regular cleaning and disinfection of the hatchery’s surfaces and equipment are essential. Additionally, controlling environmental conditions such as humidity and dust levels is crucial for reducing the growth and spread of fungal spores. The hatchery needed significant improvements in ventilation and sanitation to limit fungal contamination.
Conclusions and Recommendations
The study concludes that the hatchery in question was a major source of Aspergillosis transmission to the broiler chicks. Fungal contamination in the hatchery led to early infections among the chicks, causing a widespread outbreak. To prevent future occurrences of Aspergillosis, the study recommends:
Implementing strict cleaning and disinfection protocols in the hatchery.
Improving ventilation and controlling humidity and dust levels in the hatchery.
Ensuring that only certified, uncontaminated eggs are introduced into the hatchery.
By following these recommendations, the hatchery could significantly reduce the transmission of Aspergillosis and improve poultry health and productivity.
Implications for Poultry Farms in Iraq
Based on the findings of this study, poultry farms in Iraq, particularly those using hatcheries with inadequate management, need to improve their hygiene practices and environmental control. Aspergillosis is an economically significant disease due to its high mortality rates in affected flocks. By improving sanitation practices and environmental management in hatcheries, the prevalence of the disease can be reduced, leading to better health and productivity of broiler flocks in Iraq.
