Abstract
Aspergillosis is a significant avian disease that can be challenging to diagnose. To better understand aspergillosis in penguins, the authors:
1. Conducted a survey of international institutions housing Spheniscus demersus to assess disease risk factors, diagnostic criteria, treatment, prophylaxis, and adverse effects, and
2. Completed a clinical trial comparing an alternative protocol to more commonly used itraconazole prophylaxis.
Survey:
Response (34/66 institutions, 51.5%) indicated diagnosis of aspergillosis is generally based on a combination of factors including clinical pathology, clinical signs, and imaging. Itraconazole is commonly used for treatment and prophylaxis. Prophylaxis is most commonly administered during transport, times of social stress, exhibit modification, or concurrent disease.
Clinical Trial:
Prophylactic treatment to reduce morbidity and mortality of aspergillosis in penguins is common practice. It is recommended during times of transport stress,5 and typically includes administration of oral itraconazole. Authors wanted to investigate an alternative prophylaxis option that would not contribute to development of anti-fungal drug resistance and have less adverse effects, both risks associated with itraconazole prophylaxis. A clinical trial was conducted during potentially stressful exhibit modification to assess the impact of two prophylaxis options: combined use of Animal Necessity LLC. ShanaVetTM and Imuno-2865TM (PDS-2865®TM) vs. standard prophylaxis with itraconazole (Sporonox®). In human studies, Imuno-2865TM(PDS-2865®TM) has shown promise in improving lymphocyte activation and interleukin activity.1-4 ShanaVetTM contains plants, phytowaxes, and fatty alcohols including squalene, calendula, and triacontanol that have anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties. Birds were evaluated pre- and post-study using complete blood count, protein electrophoresis, aspergillus antibody and galactomannan.
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to acknowledge the penguin keepers at the Minnesota Zoological Garden for execution of the clinical trial, Drs. Fava and Pestano at Animal Necessity LLC, for providing supplements and dosing information, and all the clinicians and facilities who responded to the survey regarding aspergillosis treatment and prophylaxis.
* Presenting author
Literature Cited
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3. Rodriguez MM, Mejia JC, Blanchard MT, Stott J, Pestano N, Perez PP. 2007. Pilot Study: The Affects of NatramuneTM (PDS-2865®), a New immunostimulator supplement on different cetacean species; Tursiops truncatus, Lagenorhynchus obliquidens, and Orcinus orca. IAAAM 38th Annual Conference Proceedings, Orlando, FL; Pp. 44–45.
4. Rodriguez MM, Mejia JC, Blanchard MT, Stott J, Pestano N, Perez PP. 2007. NatramuneTM (PDS-2865®), an immuno-stimulator supplement in cetaceans. IAAAM 39th Annual Conference Proceedings, Pomezia, Italy; Pp. 26.
5. Wallace, R., Walsh, M. 2005. Penguin Taxon Advisory Group Penguin Husbandry Manual, Third Edition. pp 87–89.