Mycotic Keratitis in a Blue-fronted Amazon Parrot (Amazona aestiva)

Mycotic keratitis is most commonly reported in horses and humans and is rarely reported in birds. We diagnosed mycotic keratitis, localized to the left eye, in an adult blue-fronted Amazon parrot (Amazona aestiva). The ophthalmic examination revealed a diffuse yellow-green haze encompassing the entire surface of the left cornea. Diffuse fluorescein uptake occurred in the entire cornea. The right eye appeared normal. Aspergillus fumigatus was isolated on conjunctival culture. The affected eye was enucleated because of the bird's discomfort and the poor prognosis for successful treatment. Histopathologic examination revealed a severe granulomatous keratitis with intracorneal fungal hyphae and corneal perforation. Multinucleated giant cells and fungal hyphae were present within the anterior chamber. Aspergillus fumigatus is an uncommon cause of keratitis in birds but should be considered as a potential cause of refractory ulcers.