Aspergillosis
The information below is only our experience. We are not veterinary surgeons so please bear this in mind and seek help from a vet if you are at all worried.
Aspergillosis is a fairly common disease in pheasants and other birds especially waterfowl and is caused by the aspergillus fungus. It gives the birds a nasal discharge, watery eyes and breathing problems. It can kill so it is vital it is diagnosed quickly. The birds can sometimes be heard making a clicking noise. They may be breathing rather heavily, possibly, with their beak open. The birds may also have damage to their air sacs which can cause the chest to swell and then deflate like a balloon in time to the breathing of the bird.
Most organic materials will host the mould as it is part of the rotting process. It is therefore important to keep the aviary bedding clean and dry. Damp food will very quickly go off and allow the fungal spores to spread rapidly. Hay and sawdust are more likely to cause problems than straw or wood shavings and should be avoided as bedding.
If you think birds are infected with aspergillosis transfer them to a clean aviary and thoroughly clean and disinfect the pen they were in. Spray the pen with a pet safe disinfectant with fungicide such as VirkonS. Give the infected birds some extra heat and clean water with a bird tonic added. If
the birds do not improve within a few days the VirkonS can be added to the drinking water. Please pay careful attention to the instructions or ask the advice of a veterinary surgeon.