Also known as Crop mycosis, Thrush, Yeast infection
Candidiasis occurs worldwide in all poultry species of all ages, however young birds are most susceptible. A yeast-like fungus- Candida albicans, spread through contaminated faeces, litter and dirty drinkers.
- Causes of Candidiasis >
- Effects of Candidiasis >
- Diagnosis of Candidiasis >
- Treatment & Control of Candidiasis >
Causes of Candidiasis
Candida albicans is a yeast-like fungus which causes chronic disease in all birds, though young birds are most susceptible. The problem is usually caused by overmedication with antibiotics.
Mode of transmission
It is spread via contaminated faeces, litter, and dirty drinkers.
Effects of Candidiasis
Signs include emaciation, stunting, listlessness, increased thirst, depression, and a rough appearance to the feathers.
Postmortem lesions
Whitish pustules or nodules in mouth, crop and oesophagus, and white towel appearance in upper digestive tract are common.
Ulceration of the mouth and oesophagus, haemorrhagic mucosa in the proventriculus, and focal necrosis of the liver can occur.
Diagnosis of Candidiasis
Slimy white lesions in the upper digestive tract are diagnostic. The organism can be isolated from lesions on Sabouraud’s Dextrose agar. Colonies are whitish, creamy and highly convex. The hyphae and spores can be seen in a fresh smear.
Treatment & Control of Candidiasis
Prevention
Clean up water spills, don’t give birds sugar water for more than 1 day, and use water sanitisers to prevent build up of yeast. Reduce the use of broad spectrum antibiotics.
Treatment
Stop over-use of antibiotics. Mycostatin, copper sulphate in water, and nystatin (50 g/ton)in the feed can treat the disease.
It is similar to trichomoniasis, Vitamin A deficiency, Wet Pox and T-2 toxicosis
