What Is a Yeast Infection in Birds?

Yeast is an opportunistic organism, meaning it can cause disease and otherproblems in pet birds and poultry when their immune systems are under stress.

The most common yeast in birds, Candida albicans, is found inthe bird’s digestive tract. This type of yeast is naturally found in theenvironment, including soil, water, plants, and decaying organic debris. Whenthe immunity of a bird is low, the yeast can cause a secondary infectionof Candidiasis.

Many species of birds have a crop, which is a pouch or enlargement of theesophagus that can store food. The crop is a very common location for yeastovergrowth/infections.

Other names for yeast infections in birds include:

• Crop     mycosis

• Thrush

• Ingluvitis     (crop infection)

• Sour     crop

Symptoms of a Yeast Infection in Birds

• White mouth     lesions—initially thick white membranes/covering in the mouth that can     progress to ulcers

• Lethargy

• Lack of appetite

• Ruffled feathers

• Slow growth/development     in young birds

• Regurgitation of food     after eating

• Difficulty swallowing

• Thickened crop (food can     stay in the crop longer)

• Difficulty breathing,     including open-mouth breathing

Causes of a Yeast Infection in Birds

Common causes linked to yeast infections in birds include:

• Weakened immune system     due to:

• Stress

• Improper      nutrition

• Underlying      medical condition

• Undeveloped      immune system (i.e., in a young bird)

• Poor hygiene of cage,     nest, and/or feeding materials

• Contaminated food and     water sources

• Antibiotics which disrupt     the intestinal microbe (fungi/yeast, bacteria) population

• Intestinal parasites

A bird can ingest yeast orally, since it’s found in many organicmaterials, such as fruits, plants, soil, and pet bird enclosures. The yeastbecomes an issue within the bird during times of stress or if the birdhas a compromised immune system. If a bird has a weakened immune system, ayeast infection can grow.

The respiratory and digestive tracts have immune cells presenton their surfaces that help prevent most yeast (or other disease-causingagents) from causing an infection in a bird. However, a bird suffering from any stress, low immune function (sick or young birds),nutritional deficiencies, or other diseases can be susceptible to a yeastinfection.

How Veterinarians Diagnose YeastInfections in Birds

During a bird’s examination, your veterinarian will perform athorough physical assessment and collect information on the bird’s history andenvironment. Questions your veterinarian may ask related to yeast infection inbirds may include:

·       Have therebeen any changes in your bird’s behavior, energy level, or diet?

·       Has your birdbeen on any medications, supplements, or water additives?

·       What do youuse to clean your bird’s bowls/dishes, toys and cage? How often are theycleaned?

In addition to the physical exam, your vet may also perform:

·       Blood work tomeasure health of internal organs, nutrient deficiencies, and observe signs ofother infections (bacterial or viral)

·       Gram’s stain to identify yeast cells under the microscope

·       Swab collection

o   Yeast culture—sample is incubated and grown to identify the type of yeastunder a microscope

o   Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)—samples examined for genetic material

If your pet birds, chickens, pheasants, or peafowl experienceany lesions that resemble a yeast infection, your veterinarian needs to benotified.   There are some diseases that a yeast infection can mimic,especially if the infection is severe, such as fowl pox, vitamin Adeficiency, or infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT) in chickens.

Treatment of Yeast Infections in Birds

Oral medications or injectable treatments can be used for yeastinfections in birds, including:

·       Antifungals

o   Nystatin

o   Fluconazole

o   Itraconazole

o   Ketoconazole

·       Chlorhexidinegluconate—hinders yeast growth

·       Metoclopramide—usedif regurgitation is present and helps food move down the upper intestinal tract

·       Coppersulfate—inhibits yeast growth

If a bird has progressed to a severe yeast overgrowth in thecrop leading to a crop impaction or crop dilation, surgicalcorrection/intervention might be necessary.

Apple Cider Vinegar for Bird YeastInfections

In mild cases of a yeast infection in birds, the use of applecider vinegar (ACV) has been shown to lower the pH of a bird’s mouth,oropharynx, and upper gastrointestinal tract (esophagus and crop), which makesit more acidic. ACV has been shown to have an antimicrobial effect directly on Candida albicans, by hindering microbialgrowth and damaging their cell structure.

Use of ACV or any other treatments for yeast infections in birdsmust be guided by your veterinarian. Each bird’s species, size, and lifestyleare taken into consideration before any treatment is recommended.

As a pet parent, you know your bird best. Any changes in theirroutine, behavior, or eating habits should be discussed with your vet teambefore starting any treatment for a yeast infection.

Recovery and Management of YeastInfections in Birds

Most birds can make a full recovery from a yeast infection inone to three weeks.

Focusing treatment on the underlying cause of immune suppressionor stress in the bird is key to a successful recovery and to prevent furtheryeast infections.

Severe yeast infections may lead to ulcerations of the mouth andupper digestive tract. These lesions can cause bacterial infections, inaddition to the yeast growth.

Slow crop emptying and sour crop can lead to:

·       Thickening ofthe crop mucosa (inner lining)

·       Loss of muscletone of the crop

·       Weight loss

·       Death

Prevention of Yeast Infections in Birds

Proper nutrition, providing a clean, safe enclosure, andlimiting any stressors in their environment are the best ways to prevent ayeast infection in birds.