What should be avoided to help prevent aspergillosis?

• A. Excessive humidity
• B. Dry bedding
• C. Ventilated housing
• D. Damp hay and straw

Answer: (D)

Aspergillosis is driven by mold spores in the bird’s environment. Mold thrives on damp organic material, especially hay and straw. When hay or straw stays moist, mold grows and releases spores that the bird can inhale, leading to respiratory infection. Keeping bedding dry, clean, and replacing any moldy material reduces those spores, and good ventilation lowers humidity to further cut mold growth. While high humidity and damp conditions overall promote mold, damp hay and straw directly provide the mold substrate, so they’re what should be avoided.