DISEASE SUMMARY PAGE

Favus in Waterfowl:

Summary Information
Diseases / List of Fungal / Algal Diseases / Disease summary
Alternative Names	Fowl favus Avian ringworm Trichophyton gallinae infection Microsporum gallinae infection White comb
Disease Agents	Microsporum (Trichophyton) gallinae is the main dermatophyte of gallinaceous birds and may also affect other birds and mammals (B13.35.w2, B21, B36.15.w15, B47, B88).
	Infectious Agent(s)	*Microsporum gallinae*
	Non-infectious Agent(s)	--
	Physical Agent(s)	-- Indirect / Secondary
General Description	In waterfowl: Focal facial dermatitis, with fungal hyphae identified (J3.130.w2)
Further Information	Wide geographical distribution. Spread by direct (bird-to-bird) or indirect (via contaminated environment) contact. May remain viable in e.g. sloughed skin or scales for up to one year at room temperature. Generally considered an uncommon disease of chickens and turkeys, seen as white patchy overgrowths of the comb and wattles which may develop into thick white crusts and resemble fowl pox (Avian Pox). Severe infections may affect feathered areas, invade feather follicles and result in systemic signs such as emaciation. Diagnosis: by finding fungal hyphae by direct microscopic examination of scabs in 10% potassium hydroxide, or by fungal culture). Treatment: oral griseofulvin; isolate affected birds. (B13.35.w2, B21, B34, B36.15.w15, B47, B88) Zoonosis (rare): Fungal infections of birds, such as Trychophyton gallinae and Microsporum gypseum infections, may result in round, swollen, erythematous plaques in humans. (B23.22.w5, P24.334.w4) Secondary infection may occur. (P24.334.w4) Transmission of ringworm is more likely to be from mammals than from birds. (P24.327.w4, P24.334.w4)
Techniques linked to this disease	Physical Examination - General Necropsy - General Treatment and Care - General Preventative Medicine for Birds - General Chapter 2 - B36 Field Manual of Wildlife Diseases - Specimen Collection and Preservation Chapter 3 - B36 Field Manual of Wildlife Diseases - Specimen shipment

Host taxa groups / species	Waterfowl
	Disease has been reported in either the wild or in captivity in the following WATERFOWL Species:	Magpie goose Anseranas semipalmata, New Zealand Scaup Aythya novaeseelandiae in Victoria, Australia (J3.130.w2).
		Anseranas semipalmata - Magpie goose Aythya novaeseelandiae - New Zealand scaup
	Disease has been reported in free-ranging populations of the following WATERFOWL Species:	--
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