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.

Therespiratory and digestive tracts have immune cells present on their surfacesthat help prevent most yeast (or other disease-causing agents) from causing aninfection in a bird. However, a bird suffering from any stress, low immunefunction (sick or young birds), nutritional deficiencies, or other diseases canbe susceptible to a yeast infection.

How Veterinarians Diagnose YeastInfections in Birds

During abird’s examination, your veterinarian will perform a thorough physicalassessment and collect information on the bird’s history and environment.Questions your veterinarian may ask related to yeast infection in birds mayinclude:

·       Have there been any changes in your bird’s behavior, energylevel, or diet?

·       Has your bird been on any medications, supplements, or wateradditives?

·       What do you use to clean your bird’s bowls/dishes, toys andcage? How often are they cleaned?

In additionto 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 toidentify yeast cells under the microscope

·       Swab collection

o   Yeast culture—sample isincubated and grown to identify the type of yeast under a microscope

o   Polymerase chainreaction (PCR)—samples examined for genetic material

If your petbirds, chickens, pheasants, or peafowl experience any lesions that resemble ayeast infection, your veterinarian needs to be notified.   There are somediseases that a yeast infection can mimic, especially if the infection issevere, such as fowl pox, vitamin Adeficiency, or infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT) in chickens.

Treatment of Yeast Infections in Birds

Oralmedications or injectable treatments can be used for yeast infections in birds,including:

·       Antifungals

o   Nystatin

o   Fluconazole

o   Itraconazole

o   Ketoconazole

·       Chlorhexidine gluconate—hinders yeast growth

·       Metoclopramide—used if regurgitation is present and helps foodmove down the upper intestinal tract

·       Copper sulfate—inhibits yeast growth

If a bird hasprogressed to a severe yeast overgrowth in the crop leading to a crop impactionor crop dilation, surgical correction/intervention might be necessary.

Apple Cider Vinegar for Bird YeastInfections

In mild casesof a yeast infection in birds, the use of apple cider vinegar (ACV) has beenshown to lower the pH of a bird’s mouth, oropharynx, and upper gastrointestinaltract (esophagus and crop), which makes it more acidic. ACV has been shown tohave an antimicrobial effect directly on Candida albicans, byhindering microbial growth and damaging their cell structure.

Use of ACV orany other treatments for yeast infections in birds must be guided by yourveterinarian. Each bird’s species, size, and lifestyle are taken intoconsideration before any treatment is recommended.

As a petparent, you know your bird best. Any changes in their routine, behavior, oreating habits should be discussed with your vet team before starting anytreatment for a yeast infection.

Recovery and Management of YeastInfections in Birds

Most birdscan make a full recovery from a yeast infection in one to three weeks.

Focusingtreatment on the underlying cause of immune suppression or stress in the birdis key to a successful recovery and to prevent further yeast infections.

Severe yeastinfections may lead to ulcerations of the mouth and upper digestive tract.These lesions can cause bacterial infections, in addition to the yeast growth.

Slow cropemptying and sour crop can lead to:

·       Thickening of the crop mucosa (inner lining)

·       Loss of muscle tone of the crop

·       Weight loss

·       Death

Prevention of Yeast Infections in Birds

Propernutrition, providing a clean, safe enclosure, and limiting any stressors intheir environment are the best ways to prevent a yeast infection in birds.