Author/Authors :
Kiser, Patti K. Department of Biomedical Sciences - College of Veterinary Medicine - Oregon State University, Corvallis, USA , Meritet, Danielle M. Department of Biomedical Sciences - College of Veterinary Medicine - Oregon State University, Corvallis, USA , Bildfell, Robert J. Department of Biomedical Sciences - College of Veterinary Medicine - Oregon State University, Corvallis, USA
Abstract :
An adult male Eurasian eagle owl (Bubo bubo) housed at a wildlife rehabilitation facility in southern Oregon died afer a short period
of progressive ill-thrif. Radiographs taken prior to death demonstrated abnormal radiopaque material in the coelom and the owl
was submitted for postmortem examination. Black pigmented fungus was noted grossly, particularly in the respiratory tissues, with
abundant oxalate crystal deposition associated with and without hyphal elements subsequently observed histologically. Aspergillus
section Nigri was cultured from the lesions. Although there have been a few reports of aspergillosis caused by Aspergillus niger in
avian species, the severity and wide tissue distribution of oxalates in this case are highly unusual.
