Aspergilose em pinguins de Magalhães ( Spheniscus magellanicus)

Abstract

Aspergillosis, caused by inhaling the spores of Aspergillus spp, is a systemic mycosis characterized by caseous granulomatous nodules and fungal colonies in the lower respiratory tract and air sacs, and can spread to other tissues, such as the liver, spleen, kidneys and even the brain. This disease is a major cause of mortality among demagalhães penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) kept in captivity and / or in rehabilitation. In view of the occurrence of the species annually on the Brazilian coast due to its migratory route, the facilities responsible for its recovery and treatment must comply with some preventive parameters of aspergillosis, such as facilities with adequate ventilation, humidity, temperature and cleaning, in addition to prophylactic treatment with antifungals, such as itraconazole. The main focus to avoid aspergillosis is to provide conditions for the immunocompetence of animals, combined with adequate facilities and prophylactic measures.