Mycoplasmosis gallisepticum in poultry is a disease that damages chickens and hens by affecting their respiratory system. It can lead to loss of production and decrease in supply of birds and loss of egg production. For this reason, preventive measures must be taken to protect your poultry.
WHAT IS MYCOPLASMOSIS IN POULTRY?
Mycoplasmosis in poultry is a disease that first involves the respiratory system, followed by the reproductive system and then the joints. It is a collective term for infectious diseases caused by microorganisms.
- Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG): affects several species of birds.
- Mycoplasma synoviae (MS): which affects chickens and turkeys.
- Mycoplasma Meleagridis (MM): which only affects turkeys.
Mycoplasma gallisepticum (Mg) is the most pathogenic avian mycoplasma in poultry, which causes chronic respiratory disease, weakens the immune system in birds and decreases growth or egg production.
M. Synoviae (MS) also causes infectious sinusitis, conjunctivitis, and sneezing in turkeys, chickens, pigeons, game birds and passerines.
It can make birds sick and sometimes cause them to die, especially if the bird in question already has other infections. This disease spreads easily among birds because the bacteria grow slowly and many birds are slow to show symptoms.
Mycoplasmas are the smallest microorganisms of the prokaryotes. The difference with bacteria is in their inability to synthesize the cell wall which makes them extremely fragile and sensitive to disinfectants, heat and other methods used in biosecurity programs.
SYMPTOMS OF MYCOPLASMOSIS
All mycoplasmas can be transmitted horizontally, it occurs by direct contact with other birds in a fast way or by indirect contact through people, animals, food, water and environment.
Problems such as cold weather, poor air quality, and concurrent infections, among others, can facilitate the spread of this disease.
The most common symptoms of mycoplasmosis are:
- Nasal discharge.
- Cough
- Swelling around the eyes
- Difficulty in breathing.
- Low productivity.
- Delayed growth.
- Reduction of incurability and viability of chicks.
- Tracheal estuary.
- Weight loss.
- Loss of egg production.
Mycoplasmosis in poultry treatment
There is no cure for Mycoplasma. Some birds may recover, but others may die from the disease. Once birds get mycoplasma, they will always have it, even after they recover and can continue to infect other birds.
There are antibiotics available to control the disease and lessen the symptoms since the strains all of these microorganisms are sensitive to several antibiotics, such as Tylosin, tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones, etc.
However, vaccines and antibiotics do not eliminate the infection and the fact that they continue to infect each other. But with the help of a veterinarian, the recovery of the birds can be accelerated.
For this reason, the most recommendable thing is prevention, vaccines and following biosecurity procedures, since mycoplasmas are destroyed by heat, disinfectants, sunlight, etc.
This disease is characterized by its slow onset. The affected birds can recover but remain infected for the rest of their lives and when suffering some episode of stress they can suffer a rebound of this disease.
That’s why by taking preventive measures, with timely diagnosis and consulting with a professional you can protect your birds and keep them safe.
