Moniliasis is transmitted by ingestion of the causative organism in infected feed, water or environment. Unsanitary and unclean water troughs are an excellent reservoir of the Candida organism. The disease does not however, spread directly from bird to bird. The organism grows especially well on corn, so infection can be introduced by feeding moldy feed. This malady produces no specific symptoms.
Young birds become listless, pale, show ruffled feathers and appear unthrifty.
Affected caged layer hens become obese and anemic. Some birds exhibit a vent inflammation that resembles a diarrhea induced condition having whitish incrustations of the feathers and skin around the area. Feed consumption may increase by ten to twenty percent. Gross lesions are mostly confined to the crop, proventriculus and gizzard. Erosion of the lining of the proventriculus and gizzard is commonly observed, as well as an inflammation of the intestines.