General Article | Veterinary Microbiology

Avian Mycoplasmosis: An Emerging Challenge

Acharya Narendra Dev University of Agriculture & Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya-224229 (U.P.), India

Abstract

Mycoplasma are the smallest bacteria, devoid of the cell wall, having minimal cytoplasmic content, with the smallest genome mainly known for causing diseases of lower and upper respiratory tract. Avian mycoplasmosis has been noted throughout the world. It causes substantial economic loss to poultry industry in terms of reducing FCR, weight loss, complications with other diseases, drop in egg production and degradation of carcass quality due to the disease created by the organism by direct action (Cytoadherance, VSP, toxic damage, invasive damage etc) and indirectly by modulating and evading the immune response of host cell. The disease is generally characterized by catarrhal exudate in nasal and paranasal passages, trachea, bronchi, and air sacs. Air sacs frequently contain caseous exudates. Microscopic pathology of mycoplasmosis in chickens and turkeys is characterized by marked thickening of the mucous membranes of affected tissues from infiltration with mononuclear cells and hyperplasia of the mucous glands. Focal areas of lymphoid hyperplasia are commonly found in the sub-mucosa. Diagnosis can be made by traditional and latest molecular techniques. The strict bio-security and bio-safety measures can control the disease on the farm. Moreover hygiene and vaccination is utmost important to prevent flock from the disease. There are many measures necessary from the national authority like, import and export ban of poultry products (especially egg) from an affected flock,

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