The ‘Head Cold’ of the Poultry World Mycoplasma infection can impact on both commercial flocks and backyard pets
The main culprit of Mycoplasma infection in backyard poultry is Mycoplasma gallisepticum . This is one of the organisms that makes up the colloquially-termed ‘chronic respiratory disease syndrome’ (potentially in association with Infectious Laryngotracheitis) in poultry worldwide. It is considered to be responsible for some of the greatest economic losses throughout commercial flocks around the globe, but can just as easily impact on smaller backyard flocks. Who catches Mycoplasma, and how? Poultry, including chickens and turkeys, are most often presented with respiratory issues involving Mycoplasma gallisepticum , but a wide range of other birds including pheasants and wildfowl can be affected.
Mycoplasma gallisepticum can be spread vertically (from hen to egg) leading to infected chicks, or, and perhaps more commonly, through horizontal transmission (bird to bird). The disease can be spread short distances through the air as an aerosol, or on shoes/water drinkers/feeders. The disease itself may remain dormant within the infected bird for potentially months before causing any overt clinical disease. It is often at this stage that rapid spread of the disease occurs throughout a flock.
What does Mycoplasma in poultry look like?
Fig 1: A peachick with Mycoplasma infection. Note the hunched posture, closed eyes and disinterest in its food and surroundings; all an indication of general malaise
The more common presenting signs can include:
rales (clicking, rattling, or crackling noises)
coughing
nasal discharge
discharge from around the eyes
In more advanced cases, sinusitis may become apparent.
Fig 2: An older hen – note the similar appearance to the peachick in Fig 1. Significant swelling under the eyes can often appear as a characteristic sign of Mycoplasma in poultry
Clinical signs are often quicker to develop and more severe in turkeys than chickens.
Can Mycoplasma in poultry be treated?
Fig 3: New birds entering your flock should first be quarantined to reduce the potential risk of disease spread
Chickens, as well as most other birds, will suffer a much more marked immune ‘crash’ when stressed in comparison to other animals. This means that when birds are moved to a new location or mixed with other birds, the stress can induce a marked reduction in their active immunity causing a rapid onset of disease symptoms (sneezing, coughing, etc.).
Due to the risk of disease spread amongst new birds, it is absolutely vital to quarantine any incoming birds for at least 3-4 weeks to ensure that you are not putting your own birds at risk of disease.
Prevention is better than cure! Vaccinations are available against certain strains, but use of a vaccine must be with caution as quarantine procedures would still always be advised, and any new birds bought in would have to have been vaccinated. The danger with vaccinating poultry is that all too often it is seen as an easily-achievable blanket cover for disease. Good biosecurity, involving washing boots, is important. Always thoroughly disinfect items that are brought in or taken off the holding containing your particular birds.
About Elliott Simpson
With an interest for exotic and in particular a passion for avian medicine, Elliott completed an externship in Avian Medicine & Surgery at the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital in the UAE during his final year of Vet School. Elliott currently works as a veterinary surgeon at Veterinary Centre Westover, Norfolk.
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