Which of these birds is more susceptible to aspergillosis?

Which of these birds is more susceptible to aspergillosis?

• A. Pigeons
• B. Red-tailed hawks
• C. Parakeets
• D. Robins

Answer: (B)

Aspergillosis is a fungal infection caused by the Aspergillus species, which is particularly harmful to birds with compromised respiratory systems. Among the options provided, red-tailed hawks are more susceptible to this condition due to their environmental exposure and lifestyle factors. These birds often inhabit areas where they may come into contact with decaying organic matter, which is a breeding ground for Aspergillus spores. Furthermore, raptors like red-tailed hawks often face stressors in captivity or rehabilitation that can weaken their immune response, making them more vulnerable to infections, including aspergillosis. Pigeons, parakeets, and robins can indeed suffer from fungal infections, but red-tailed hawks are generally regarded as being at greater risk for developing severe cases of aspergillosis compared to these other species, primarily due to their ecological interactions and health challenges in captivity.

Aspergillosis is a fungal infection caused by the Aspergillus species, which is particularly harmful to birds with compromised respiratory systems. Among the options provided, red-tailed hawks are more susceptible to this condition due to their environmental exposure and lifestyle factors.

These birds often inhabit areas where they may come into contact with decaying organic matter, which is a breeding ground for Aspergillus spores. Furthermore, raptors like red-tailed hawks often face stressors in captivity or rehabilitation that can weaken their immune response, making them more vulnerable to infections, including aspergillosis.

Pigeons, parakeets, and robins can indeed suffer from fungal infections, but red-tailed hawks are generally regarded as being at greater risk for developing severe cases of aspergillosis compared to these other species, primarily due to their ecological interactions and health challenges in captivity.