MG mycoplasmosis
There are several species of mycoplasmosis but the one posing the greatest threat to commercial poultry production is Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) .
It is a contagious bacterial disease which mainly affects turkeys and chickens ( Gallus gallus ) but it also occurs in other avian species of game birds, peacocks, ducks, pigeons and wild birds.
Young birds are more susceptible than adults (more visible < 6 weeks). The incubation period is 6 to 21 days and infected animals are carriers for life.
Clinical signs of respiratory disease:
- sneezing;
- noisy breathing (which sounds like clicking sounds);
- discharge from nostrils and eyes;
- swelling of the infraorbital sinuses: located between the eye and nostril, more evident in turkeys.
Other signs:
- reduction in feed consumption;
- decreased egg production;
- many sickly birds: reduced growth rate, poor body condition;
- high mortality rate: can be high among young birds, generally low among adult birds;
- secondary infections and convictions.
Transmission can be vertical (parent to offspring through eggs), horizontal (bird to bird) or through objects, employees, animals, vermin, etc.
Number of outbreaks and diagnosed cases of MG from 1999 to 2023