Objectives: Aspergillosis is an important infectious disease in ostrich farming which causes serious financial losses to the industry. Aspergillus infection is a common respiratory infection due to mismanagement in avian species. Acute aspergillosis in younger birds causes more morbidity and mortality, while chronic forms in older birds look sporadic. In this study, we report 9 outbreaks of Aspergillus infection in ostrich farms of eastern regions of Iran during 2009- 2011. Material and Methods: Increased mortality rate and respiratory involvement signs reported in ostrich farms. History of affected flocks was taken. Dead birds subjected to necropsy. Samples from the air sacs, livers and proventriculus were submitted to mycology laboratory for mycotic examinations. Results and Discussion: Necropsy findings were suggestive of fungal infections. Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus niger were identified in microbiological examinations. History of affected flocks revealed that mismanagement was common in all of farms. Poor ventilation, overcrowded populations with dusty litter, nutritional deficiencies and bad feeding, and long- term antibiotic therapy were the farming faults of these ostrich farms. Correction of management problems and use of some supportive treatments were beneficial in controlling the infection.

Keywords