Articular Aspergillosis of Hip Joints in Turkeys

Important Findings This study reported an unusual outbreak of articular aspergillosis in a flock of meat turkeys with clinical signs of lameness. Between 7 and 11 weeks of age, turkeys had severe granulomatous osteoarthritis of the hip joints (Figure 1) with necrosis of the femur head. Aspergillus fumigatus was identified as the infectious agent. Concurrently, Staphylococcus spp. was isolated from the hip joints, which may have promoted the tropism of the fungus. Mild respiratory tract aspergillosis was observed in only one case. The findings suggest that fungal arthritis may present a specific disease entity in turkeys and should be considered as further cause of lameness in turkeys.