Which part of the raptor anatomy is predominantly affected by aspergillosis?

Aspergillosis is a fungal infection caused by Aspergillus species, which mainly targets the respiratory system of birds, including raptors. The disease can lead to significant respiratory distress due to the fungus growing in the air sacs and lungs. This results in symptoms such as difficulty breathing, coughing, and nasal discharge, ultimately degrading the bird's overall health and ability to hunt or function normally.

The respiratory system is crucial for raptors, as they require the efficient transfer of oxygen to support their high metabolic rate, especially during flight. When this system is compromised by an infection like aspergillosis, the raptor's well-being and survival can be severely affected. Therefore, recognizing that aspergillosis predominantly affects the respiratory system is essential for understanding the health challenges faced by raptors in both wild and captive settings.