What it looks like
Difficulty breathing or labored respiration — Bird pants, wheezes, or struggles to breathe; may gape (open mouth to breathe)
Coughing or sneezing — Dry cough or occasional sneezing; bird may shake head or discharge nasal fluid
Nasal and eye discharge — Clear to greenish discharge from nose; eyes may be swollen, closed, or crusty
Lethargy and depression — Bird is inactive, sits with fluffed feathers, appears ill and withdrawn
Lack of appetite — Bird refuses feed and water; may drink but not eat
Stunted growth in young birds — Chicks fail to grow normally; smaller and weaker than flockmates
Diarrhea or abnormal droppings — Greenish, watery, or pale droppings; may indicate secondary infection or organ stress
Twisted neck or neurological signs — Head twisting, loss of balance, or circling (occurs if infection spreads to nervous system or brain)
Yellow nodules visible in air sacs at necropsy — Tiny yellow or white nodules visible in lungs and air sacs during post-mortem exam; for aspergillosis
Likely causes
What to do
No effective cure for advanced aspergillosis. Antifungal medications (like itraconazole under vet guidance) may help in very early stages but are rarely used in backyard flocks. Focus on supportive care and preventing spread: provide clean, dry bedding; ensure excellent ventilation; keep bird warm and reduce stress. Most birds with aspergillosis die despite treatment; humane culling is often the kindest option.
When to see a vet
See a vet if your bird shows severe signs or doesn’t improve within a few days of treatment.
Prevention
Store all feed and grain in cool, dry conditions to prevent Aspergillus growth. Replace bedding frequently and keep housing dry. Ensure excellent ventilation to reduce humidity. Clean and disinfect brooders before use. Avoid using contaminated straw or wood shavings. Source chicks from hatcheries with good biosecurity. Reduce stress and improve overall flock health to strengthen immunity.
FAQ
Is aspergillosis contagious between birds?
Aspergillosis itself is not contagious. However, if birds share contaminated bedding or feed, multiple birds can be exposed to the same Aspergillus spores. Isolate affected bird(s) and remove contaminated bedding immediately.
Can I treat aspergillosis with antibiotics?
Antibiotics don’t kill fungi; they only work against bacteria. Aspergillosis requires antifungal treatment, which is rarely available or practical for backyard flocks. Prevention (clean, dry conditions) is your best tool.
How do I know if my chick has brooder pneumonia vs. another respiratory disease?
Brooder pneumonia (aspergillosis in chicks) causes respiratory distress in the first 2-3 weeks of life. If chicks are in a clean, dry brooder and show respiratory signs, suspect contaminated bedding or equipment. Your vet can test to confirm.
Is it safe to eat a chicken that had aspergillosis?
Do not eat birds that died of any illness, including aspergillosis. Diseased birds may carry bacteria or other pathogens that can cause foodborne illness even after cooking. Additionally, meat quality is poor in sick birds. When in doubt, discard. Proper food safety practices protect you and your family.
Can Aspergillus spores in the air harm me?
Aspergillus spores are everywhere in the environment. Most people are not affected. However, people with weakened immune systems (immunocompromised individuals) can develop aspergillosis from environmental exposure. If you or a family member is immunocompromised, maintain strict biosecurity around affected birds and consult your doctor.
For more help, try our chicken symptom checker or read about signs your chicken is sick.