Prevalence of Mycoplasma gallisepticum and Mycoplasma synoviae in commercial poultry, racing pigeons and wild birds in Belgium

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review

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Author(s)

  • Tinne Michiels
  • Sarah Welby
  • Mia Vanrobaeys
  • Christian Quinet
  • Lieze Rouffaer
  • Luc Lens
  • An Martel

Detail(s)

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)244-252
Journal / PublicationAvian Pathology
Volume45
Issue number2
Publication statusPublished - 3 Mar 2016
Externally publishedYes

Abstract

Mycoplasma gallisepticum is the most important pathogenic avian Mycoplasma species and causes chronic respiratory disease in poultry. In addition, the prevalence of Mycoplasma synoviae is of increasing concern in several EU member states. We investigated the prevalence of M. gallisepticum in commercial poultry (5220 layers, 1224 broilers and 1020 meat turkeys), 56 racing pigeons and 890 wild birds (Order Anseriformes, Galliformes, Pelecaniformes, Accipitriformes, Gruiformes, Charadriiformes, Columbiformes, Strigiformes, Falconiformes and Passeriformes). Broilers and wild birds were also evaluated for Mycoplasma synoviae. Dependent on the bird lifespan and the nature of the sample, different diagnostic tests were used including the rapid plate agglutination test, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), polymerase chain reaction and real-time polymerase chain reaction. A low prevalence of M. gallisepticum was found in both layers (0.9%; 95% CI: 0.7–1.2%) and broilers (2.7%; 95% CI: 1.9–3.8%) possibly due to reduced vertical transmission by breeder farms, which are under official surveillance. None of the samples from turkeys or racing pigeons tested positive. In wild birds, we found five birds were positive (1.7%; 95% CI: 0.7–3.9%): one wood pigeon, two grey herons, one mallard and one Eurasian magpie. For M. synoviae a high prevalence was found in broilers (12.9%: 95% CI: 11.1–14.9%). Four samples collected by hunters gave a positive result for M. synoviae (4%: 95% CI: 1.6–9.8%): one carrion crow and three wood pigeons. In addition, 12 house sparrows were found to be positive (3%; 95% CI: 1.7–5.2%). Wild birds probably play a limited role as a reservoir but we cannot exclude a possible impact on transmission of Mycoplasmas. © 2016 Houghton Trust Ltd.

Research Area(s)

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Citation Format(s)

Prevalence of Mycoplasma gallisepticum and Mycoplasma synoviae in commercial poultry, racing pigeons and wild birds in Belgium. / Michiels, Tinne; Welby, Sarah; Vanrobaeys, Mia et al.
In: Avian Pathology, Vol. 45, No. 2, 03.03.2016, p. 244-252.

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review