Contribution to the prophylaxis of chicks aspergillosis: study of the contamination of a hatchery by Aspergillus fumigatus.

Contamination of a hatchery by Aspergillus fumigatus has been studied for 8 weeks from eggs to day old chicks. We have shown that the contamination of the hatchery originates on the egg shell and that each time the eggs are manipulated, spores of Aspergillus fumigatus are thrown into suspension in the air. Thus it seems necessary to bring eggs with as few as possible spores of Aspergillus fumigatus on their shell into the hatchery. Prophylaxis of aspergillosis should be foreseen from the conception of the hatchery: the ventilation system and the internal lay-out should be designed to prevent dispersion and accumulation of Aspergillus fumigatus spores during the processing of the eggs through the hatchery.