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Cutaneous Pythiosis in a Nestling White-faced Ibis

Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology (PP); , California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory (BB, AE, RP, RW), and Wildlife Health Center (SR),, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA

Abstract

A nestling white-faced ibis (Plegadis chihi) with multifocal skin ulcerations on the wings, neck, head, and limbs was found in a wetland agricultural region of the central valley in California. Pathologic, microbiologic, and molecular findings were consistent with restricted, cutaneous infection by the oomycete Pythium insidiosum. The microscopic features of the disease, including intense, necrotizing eosinophilic and granulomatous inflammation, are similar to those previously described in mammals. Pythiosis, which is most typical in tropical and subtropical climates, has recently emerged in California as a cause of cutaneous and enteric disease in horses and dogs, respectively. Environmental stability and persistence of a "water-mold" in the arid central valley of California could be associated with agricultural and community watering practices. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first published report of pythiosis in birds.

Key words: Avian; dermatitis; oomycete; Pythium.

Request reprints from Dr. Patricia A Pesavento, University of California at Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine, PMI Room 4206, VM3A, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616-5270 (USA). E-mail: papesavento{at}ucdavis.edu