Age-Related Incidence of Aspergillosis in Broiler Chickens in Qalat, Zabul

Aspergillosis is a noncontagious fungal disease affecting birds, primarily caused by Aspergillus fumigatus, with A. flavus and A. niger occurring less frequently. also this disease has a global distribution, thriving in humid environments, while dry litter conditions promote the aerosolization of Aspergillus spores. Although Aspergillus fumigatus is a ubiquitous and opportunistic fungal pathogen primarily associated with respiratory tract infections, it is also capable of infecting other organs throughout the body. This study, conducted across three commercial broiler chicken farms in Zabul Province, Afghanistan, from January 1, 2024 to June 15, 2024 with a total of 3,000 birds, investigated the incidence of aspergillosis in relation to their age. Using the Slovin’s formula, 352 broilers were selected and categorized into three age groups: 1-10 days, 11-20 days, and 21-30 days. The findings indicated that 152 chickens tested positive for aspergillosis, representing an average incidence rate of 43.33%. The incidence varied by age: 61.53% in chickens aged 1–10 days, 40.17% in chickens aged 11–20 days, and 28.20% in chickens aged 21–30 days. Higher infection rates were observed in younger chickens, while older birds showed decreased susceptibility. <more..>