Mycoplasma meleagridis

Also known as: Mycoplasma air sacculitis − Mycoplasma infectious stunting − Mycoplasmosis

Mycoplasma meleagridis
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Bacteria
Division:	Firmicutes
Class:	Mollicutes
Order:	Mycoplasmatales
Family:	Mycoplasmataceae
Genus:	Mycoplasma
Species:	Mycoplasma meleagridis

Introduction

Mycoplasma meleagridis is a small bacteria responsible for air sacculitis and disorders of the musculoskeletal and reproductive systems in turkeys.

The disease is more severe in young birds and occurs globally wherever turkeys are reared intensively.

Transmission is mainly vertical via the egg but ticks such as the Ixodes species can also be vectors.

Clinical Signs and Diagnosis

The disease is often subclinical but may appear as mild stunting.

Air sacculitis appears as tachypnoea, nasal discharge and sneezing.

Musculoskeletal problems can lead to lameness, swelling and crooked necks.

There may be a drop in egg production.

The bacteria can be cultured from tissue samples or swabs and identified with PCR or immunofluorescence.

ELISA and the Slide Agglutination Test are used for serological diagnosis.

Treatment and Control

Antibiotics are effective at treating and preventing the disease, especially Tylosin but also Lincomycin and Spectinomycin.

Vertical transmission is difficult to prevent, but males can be tested before breeding and eggs can be dipped in a Tylosin bath.

References

• Mycoplasma meleagridis, expert reviewed and published by Wikivet at http://en.wikivet.net/Mycoplasma_meleagridis accessed 07/10/2011.