The disease frounce is caused by which infection?

• A. Aspergillosis
• B. Coccidiosis
• C. Trichomonas infection
• D. Overheating

Answer: (C)

This question tests understanding of what organism causes frounce. Frounce is caused by a protozoan parasite, Trichomonas gallinae, which infects the mouth and crop of birds and produces creamy yellow plaques, drooling, and difficulty eating. In falconry, it’s often contracted from infected prey, such as pigeons or doves, or contaminated feeding material. It is not caused by Aspergillosis (a fungal respiratory disease), nor by Coccidiosis (an intestinal protozoan illness), and overheating is not an infectious disease. Therefore, Trichomonas infection is the correct cause.