Masked Owl - Nswfmpa.org

SignsDermatitis, leg weakness due to extension of lesions into muscles and nerves, tailbobbing, mouth breathing, increased respiratory effort and rate.CauseDamp litter, damp nest box material, dusty conditions, mouldy feed and poor ventilation.Aspergillosis is generally considered to b e a secondary disease, requiring a state ofimmunosuppression to flourish within the host’s body. Predisposing factors includetransport, overcrowding, malnutrition, concurrent disease, antibiotic therapy, chemicalirritation of the respiratory tract, capture stress and age (very young, veryold).transmission is usually by aerogenic route.TreatmentTreatment and the success of treatment depend on the extent and the location of lesions.Treatment of chronic, widespread sacculitis is unlikely to be successful. Less widespreadlesions may respond to the use of I/V and nebulised amphotericin Band the surgicalremoval of granulomas. Concurrent oral medication with flucytosine, ketoconazole,itraconazole, or fluconazole may respond to air sac catheterization and intra-trachealamphotericin B.PreventionNest boxes should be cleaned regularly, food must be fresh and mould free, ensureaviaries are well ventilated.Trematodes (a parasitic disease)Life cycleIntermediate hosts, usually snails, are always involved in the life cycle. Other transporthosts such as insects, fish and tadpoles can also be involved. Birds become infected byeating either. Trematodes can be found in the intestinal tract and liver.TreatmentNo effective treatment has been described, although fenbendazole and praziquantel havebeen reported to decrease egg production dramatically.ControlRestrict access of intermediate and transport hosts to the birds.RoundwormLife cycleEggs passed in droppings embryoniate after 2-3 weeks in a worm, moist environment;then carried in or on transport hosts which are then eaten by the owl. In the rightconditions the eggs can remain infective for several months.TreatmentMost anthelminthics are effective the most common used are, ivermectin, oxfendazole,levamisole, netobimin, pyrantel and fenbendazole.ControlKeep owls environment dry, clean feeding stumps and water dishes, and frequentcleaning and removal of faecal material. Regularly worm owls.SpiruridsLife cycle35