Fungus Formula

Description

Megabacteriosis (Avian Gastric Yeast) is a poorly understood and controversial infection, known since the 1970s. In 1990, Scanlan and Graham reported isolating a large Gram-positive rod. Initially, most researchers considered the causative agent a bacterium and named it Megabacterium. Later research in 2004 showed that this organism is actually a yeast that had not been scientifically described. As a fungus, it’s unusual because it mimics bacteria! Today the disease is referred to as Avian Gastric Yeast (AGY) and the causative agent as Macrorhabdus ornithogaster.
Disease transmission can occur orally and through feces. Feeding female birds also play a significant role in infection.
AGY is found in the proventriculus and gizzard, mainly in the isthmus between them.
It can affect all bird species, with both symptomatic and asymptomatic carriers. In the past, the infection commonly appeared in budgerigars, cockatiels, finches, and canaries, but it has now been described in many species, including poultry, large psittacines, and ostriches. The use of foster parents, e.g., canaries, can be a mode of transmission to birds of other species.
Morbidity in chicks and young birds is rare, and if it occurs, deaths can happen between 6 and 12 days of age. The average age of symptomatic birds is between 1 and 5 years. The issue of pathogenicity is unclear. AGY has been detected in birds without clinical signs of disease and without severe lesions during necropsy. It is suspected that AGY suppresses the birds’ immune system. In many cases, the immune system is already suppressed due to ‘stress factors’ or other diseases (viral diseases, atoxoplasmosis, etc.) at the time of infection. Very often, AGY is associated with anaerobic bacterial infections in the proventriculus (Dr J. Vanderborght). A significant factor in pathogenicity may also be the reduction of gastrointestinal tract acidity. Microorganisms are believed to reduce acid production in the proventriculus, which alters pH levels, making the environment less acidic and hindering proper digestion.
The clinical picture is indicative of a chronic debilitating disease. Symptoms include weight loss, apathy, anorexia, food regurgitation, abdominal swelling (distension), and the presence of whole or partially digested seeds in soft, watery droppings. In advanced stages of the disease, vomiting of mucous material and blood may occur. The course of the disease can last for months, with periods of recovery and relapse. An acute form of AGY has been described in budgerigars. Birds suddenly show severe depression, ruffled feathers, and die within 12 to 24 hours. Often, the cause of sudden death is excessive bleeding in the proventriculus.
Differential diagnosis must include lead, zinc, or copper toxicities, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections such as trichomoniasis, proventricular dilatation disease (PDD), and neoplasia.
Due to its size, AGY can be easily identified under a microscope. Feces should be examined periodically, as the absence of AGY does not imply the bird is free of infection. In severely affected birds, Gram staining of droppings can reveal the organism. Blood tests show poor physical condition with anemia and low total protein, while AGY can be difficult to isolate in cultures (Sakas P., DVM).
Elimination and control of the disease are difficult, as no definitively effective treatment has been proposed. AGY has proven resistant to antibiotics. Oral administration of amphotericin B is more effective, although it is not adequately absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and must be given in higher doses.
All affected birds with clinical symptoms must receive treatment. However, there is disagreement on whether birds showing AGY in their droppings but without clinical symptoms should be medicated. Research from the University of Naples suggests avoiding prophylactic treatments with antibiotics, antifungals, and other drugs, and proposes prevention protocols that include quarantining newly introduced birds, frequent cleaning (especially of waterers), clean packaged foods, natural immune-boosting products and multivitamins, reduction of gastric pH, and the use of resistant probiotic products that cause ‘competitive exclusion’ by blocking pathogens.
Thymol, a component mainly of thyme and oregano, has been shown to have strong antifungal activity. Examples of fungi it can effectively inhibit include species of Aspergillus, Penicillium, Trichoderma, Cladosporium, and Epidermophyton (Couladis M, Tzakou O., et al., 2004). It can also weaken AGY cells and support sick birds. Many breeders use thyme tea as a supportive measure to reduce the risk of acute AGY (www.birds-online., avian gastric yeast).
To prevent infections from AGY and other fungi, Evia Parrots designed Fungus Formula. Its innovative antifungal composition combines extracts from herbs such as thyme, oregano, rosemary, nightshade, cinnamon, Eclipta alba, milk thistle, artichoke, and parsley, vitamins (A, D3, E, B2, B3, B12), fatty acids (Formic acid, Citric acid), Lysine, Choline, and Betaine.
Thyme, oregano, nightshade, and cinnamon extracts have strong antifungal activity and exhibit antidiarrheal properties.
Rosemary, Eclipta alba, milk thistle, artichoke, and parsley extracts have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effects and reduce the impact of mycotoxins on the liver (hepatoprotective action).
Vitamins A and E help protect and regenerate damaged digestive epithelium and strengthen birds against fungal infections. Vitamins B2, B3, B12, Lysine, Choline, and Betaine protect and detoxify the liver, aid the digestive system in nutrient absorption, and help conserve and produce metabolic energy.
Formic and citric acids reduce intestinal pH, inhibit pathogenic bacteria and fungi, and promote the growth of beneficial microorganisms in the birds’ digestive system at the expense of pathogens.
Fungus Formula protects against fungal infections such as megabacteriosis (Avian Gastric Yeast), candidiasis (Candida sp.), aspergillosis (Aspergillus sp.), etc.
It reduces the effect of mycotoxins on the liver. It protects after antibiotic treatments to prevent fungal growth. It provides complementary action in the treatment of respiratory problems together with Air Track Formula.
It supports the birds’ organism in cases of reduced immunity that occur during periods of stress, such as participation in exhibitions and competitions, during breeding, egg-laying, weaning of chicks, molting, etc.

DOSAGE:
Prevention dosage: 2 drops per 100ml of water, 2-3 times a week.
Treatment dosage: 4 drops per 100ml of water, daily until symptoms subside.