Mycoplasma spp. testing

Pathogen overview

A leading cause of chronic respiratory disease (CRD) — sneezing, nasal discharge and rales — that erodes respiratory function and race performance.

Transmission

Spread by respiratory droplets and direct contact and can be transmitted vertically via the egg; it spreads rapidly in densely stocked, poorly ventilated lofts and often causes mixed infection with other pathogens.

Main impact

Causes chronic respiratory disease with sneezing, nasal discharge and respiratory rales, impairing respiratory function and flying endurance and leading to a drop in race performance; the disease worsens with mixed infection.

Why testing matters

Confirms Mycoplasma infection and distinguishes it from other respiratory pathogens, guides treatment with sensitive antibacterials and improvements in husbandry, and reduces the impact of chronic infection on racing performance.

Common symptoms

• ◆ Sneezing, nasal discharge
• ◆ Respiratory rales
• ◆ Increased ocular discharge
• ◆ Reduced flying endurance

Differential diagnosis

Must be differentiated from respiratory pathogens such as herpesvirus and Chlamydia psittaci; Mycoplasma is characterised by chronic respiratory signs and rales and often occurs as a mixed infection.

Incubation period

Incubation period from several days to several weeks; a common cause of chronic respiratory disease (CRD) that is aggravated by stress.

Diagnostic methods

Collect throat and nasal swabs for qPCR or culture for confirmation, interpreted together with the respiratory signs and airsacculitis lesions.

Management and treatment

Use sensitive antibiotics (such as macrolides and tetracyclines) together with improved ventilation and reduced stocking density, under veterinary guidance.

Prevention

Keep the loft well ventilated and clean, control density, and diagnose early and medicate promptly.