PULMONARY ASPERGILLOSIS IN BELGIAN MARINE BIRDS

Pulmonary aspergillosis is a respiratory disease usually present in bi rds. The agent is an ubiquitous and saprophitic fungus, belonging to t he Aspergillus genus, A. fumigatus being the predominant species. Debi litation and stress are favourable for the mycosis installation in cap tive wild birds (Zoo and rehabilitation centers). During 90-91 and 91- 92 winters, 386 birds found dead at the belgian seashore were necropsi ed and 9 birds were carriers of specific lesions. Complementary invest igations were undertaken. Most animals were oiled and had been kept fo r some time in rehabilitation centers.