Aspergillosis in a gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus) in Saudi Arabia

A mixed case of chronic tracheal (syringeal) and pulmonary (lungs and air sacs) aspergillosis was diagnosed in an adult female gyrfalcon ( Falco rusticolus ). The bird presented with a 4-week history of severe dyspnea, exercise intolerance, depression and reduced appetite. Physical examination revealed slight emaciation. Hematological analysis showed leucocytosis, heterophilia, monocytosis, and thrombocytosis. Radiographic examination showed thickening of the air sac walls and increased radiopacity within the lung field. Caseous granulomatous lesions were observed during tracheoscopy and laparoscopy procedures. Cytological examination of specimens obtained from these lesions demonstrated Aspergillus species, which was isolated in culture and identified as Aspergillus flavus .