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Mycoplasmas The Killer Poultry Disease That Farmers Should Watch Out

BY Jane Muia · July 15, 2022 10:07 am

KEY POINTS

To prevent the occurrence of this disease, a lot of hygiene is highly recommended. Ensure the birds’ house is well ventilated and dust free. Also, avoid sharing egg trays from an unknown source.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Mycoplasma is one of the major diseases that every farmer needs to be keen on.  It is a respiratory disease that is associated with difficulty in breathing, and poor performance in the affected flock. The most common type of mycoplasma is the Mycoplasma gallisepticum.

Poultry farming is a very important subsector in the agriculture sector. Eggs and meat from the bird are rich sources of proteins and other vitamins. Their waste products are also used as organic manure which is usually rich in nutrients.

As a farmer whether you are practicing the intensive Poultry Farming method or the Free-range method, you should be able to keenly monitor your flock for any abnormalities. This is due to the sensitive nature of the sector given that poultry diseases are rampant and spread faster and the farmer may be at risk of losing his/her flock hence subjected to massive losses.

Mycoplasma is one of the major diseases that every farmer needs to be keen on.  It is a respiratory disease that is associated with difficulty in breathing, and poor performance in the affected flock. The most common type of mycoplasma is the Mycoplasma gallisepticum.

It is caused by pathogens that live within their host, with a preference for the mucosal linings in the respiratory tract. Other areas include the nose, feathers, and egg materials where they can stay for six to 18 weeks.

What are the Signs of Mycoplasmas Disease in Poultry?

 Birds infected with mycoplasma may stay for up to 14 days without exhibiting any symptoms. The symptoms include;

  1. Foamy eyes and Swollen eyelids
  2. Sneezing and nasal discharge
  3. Snoring sound
  4. Less feed intake
  5. The bird will usually look depressed
  6. Reduced, eggs production
  7. Unusual eggshell appearance.
  8. Death

The signs may vary depending on the immune status of the birds affected. The disease spreads faster and is spread through contact with the droppings of an infected bird, feathers, and respiratory secretions.

Economic impacts of Mycoplasmas

Both the Breeding stock and commercial layers infected with mycoplasmas are likely to record a 5-20 percent decline in egg production. At the same time, the reproductive rate will also decline 5-10 percent due to embryo mortality.

Treatment and Prevention

Although this disease, can be treated, some birds may remain carriers after recovery. Anti-biotics are administered where they help in cutting recovery time, remit production losses, and help reduce transmission to the health flock.

To prevent the occurrence of this disease, a lot of hygiene is highly recommended. Ensure the birds’ house is well ventilated and dust free. Also, avoid sharing egg trays from an unknown source.

Experts advise you to contact a veterinarian in case you notice any abnormal signs in your flock, for you to be sure with what disease you are dealing with since other poultry diseases such as Newcastle disease, Infectious Bronchitis, Coryza, etc. have similar signs.

Related Content: Chicken Vaccination Supports Growth and Nutrition in Children, Study Shows

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