A survey of zoo aviaries for the presence of Histoplasma capsulatum and Cryptococcus neoformans

A zoo's aviaries were surveyed for the presence ofH. capsulatum andC. neoformans. Dried feces samples were collected in the 14 aviaries and tested forC. neoformans by using direct Cultural methods. This pathogen was isolated from an indoor aviary housing one White-breasted Toucan, and from another indoor aviary housing two Concave-casqued Hornbills. Soil samples were collected in 12 outdoor aviaries and two other areas of the zoo premises and tested forH. capsulatum andC. neoformans by direct and indirect cultural methods. Neither fungal pathogen was isolated from the soil samples. Fresh feces samples were collected from the two aviaries whereC. neoformans had been isolated in dried feces. Tests for the presence ofC. neoformans were made by direct culture methods, however the organism was not isolated.Contribution No. 154, Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Agricultural Experiment Station, Manhattan, 66502.