Zygomycosis in ostriches.

An unusual disease characterized by anorexia, progressive stunting and stomach impaction was observed in young ostriches after treatment with antibiotics. The massive accumulation of a clear white gelatinous mucus adherent to the inner surface of the ventriculus plus a severe necrosis of the glandular layer were the only consistent findings. Histological examination revealed typical forms of a zygomycete invading the affected tissue. The zygomycete Rhizopus oryzae was isolated from the ventriculus of all the affected ostriches.