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|species = ''M. meleagridis''
|species = ''M. meleagridis''
}}
}}
Disease Also Known As – '''''Mycoplasma air sacculitis – Mycoplasma infectious stunting - Mycoplasmosis'''''
==Introductions==
==Introduction==
'''''Mycoplasma meleagridis''''' is a '''small [[Bacteria|bacterial]] pathogen''' that causes '''air sacculitis, musculoskeletal disease/deformities and reproductive problems''' in turkeys and occasionally wild birds.
It shares antigens with many other members of its [[Mycoplasmas|Mycoplasma family]] but is serologically distinct.
==Distribution==
''M. meleagridis'' is assumed to be present '''wherever turkeys are reared''', which likely makes the disease of global distribution.
''M. meleagridis'' is transmitted mainly '''vertically from infected hen’s oviducts''' to their progeny via the egg and also via '''semen. [[Ixodes spp.]] [[Ticks|ticks]]''' can also act as a vector. See [[Tick Disease Transmission]] for more details on ticks as vectors of disease.
[[File:CABI logo.jpg|left|90px]]
==Signalment==
''M. meleagridis'' usually affects young poults '''under 16 weeks''' of age.
It has also been isolated from healthy wild turkeys<ref> Stipkovitis, L., Kempf, I (1996) Mycoplasmoses in poultry. Revue Scientifique et Technique - Office International des épizooties, 15(4):1495-1525; 107</ref> and birds of prey.<ref>Lierz, M., Schmidt, R., Brunnberg, L., Runge, M (2000) '''Isolation of Mycoplasma meleagridis from free-ranging birds of prey in Germany'''. J Vet Med, Series-B, 47:63-67.</ref>
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[[Category:To Do - Steph]]
==Clinical Signs==
[[Category:Mycoplasmas]]
Often very few outward signs are caused, except for a '''reduced growth rate''', which varies in severity.
Birds are often '''emaciated and unthrifty. Abnormal breathing sounds, tachypnoea, nasal discharge and sneezing''' are the usual signals of mycoplasmal air sacculitis but present similarly to many other respiratory pathogens.
'''Skeletal perosis''' (slipped tendons causing distal limb luxations and deformities) may affect up to 10% of a flock and can be uni or bi-lateral. This may cause lameness and limb swelling. Occasionally, crooked necks and abnormal feathers are also seen. Flock mortality may also increase. Neurological and ophthalmological disease has also been noted in some cases.
Reproductive signs include '''decreased egg production and reduced hatchability.'''
==Diagnosis==
''M. meleagridis'' can be '''isolated''' from the upper respiratory tract, air sacs, phallus, semen, cloaca and sinuses. Swabs or exudates can be cultured on '''Mycoplasma agar and broth media'''. It is important that this is either done immediately, or that transport to a laboratory is rapid and in a cool, moist environment. Colonies may take up to 7 days to appear and often eventually form a '''typical fried egg appearance''': small and flat with rough centres.
The bacterium can then be identified using '''PCR''' or serological tests including '''growth inhibition, metabolic inhibition and immunofluorescence''', of which immunofluorescence is preferred due to its efficacy even in mixed cultures. PCR can sometimes also be performed directly on tracheal or cloacal swabs.
'''[[ELISA testing|ELISAs]]''' are available and effective for antibody detection and can also be used on egg yolk. They have almost totally replaced the slide agglutination test which was insensitive.
On '''post-mortem, air sacculitis is the most common lesion found''', featuring thickened air sac walls with a caseous exudate within the sacs. Lymphoid nodules have been found in the air sacs of some affected turkeys. Changes usually become less marked with age. '''Synovitis and ascites''' are also regularly noted.
'''Perosis of the tibiotarsal and tarso-metatarsal''' bones is also seen, although less frequently and is occasionally accompanied by cervical vertebral deviation.
==Treatment==
'''Tylosin''' is the most commonly used and effective antibiotic and can be given in water for the first ten days of life. '''Lincomycin, spectinomycin and gentamycin''' have also been used with success.
Eggs can also be treated by '''dipping in cold tylosin''' solution for 15-20 minutes or by '''heating to 46-47⁰''' for 11-14h before incubation, although heating in particular can reduce fertility.
==Control==
Eradication is difficult due to vertical transmission from infected hens.
'''Testing of males or semen''' for artificially inseminated flocks is imperative. Swabs and samples should also be taken during the breeding season.
The disease is not seen as economically important enough to justify production of a vaccine.
{{Learning
|flashcards = [[Mycoplasma meleagridis Flashcards|''M. meleagridis'' Flashcards]]
}}
==References==
<references/>
Animal Health & Production Compendium, '''Mycoplasma meleagridis datasheet''', accessed 01/07/2011 @ http://www.cabi.org/ahpc/
Animal Health & Production Compendium, '''Mycoplasma meleagridis infection datasheet''', accessed 01/07/2011 @ http://www.cabi.org/ahpc/
[[Category:Mycoplasmas]] [[Category:Respiratory Diseases - Birds]] [[Category:Reproductive Diseases - Birds]] [[Category:Musculoskeletal Diseases - Birds]]
[[Category:To Do - CABI review]]