BioOne.org will be down briefly for maintenance on 17 December 2024 between 18:00-22:00 Pacific Time US. We apologize for any inconvenience.
How to translate text using browser tools
30 May 2019 Occurrence and Relevance of Mycoplasma spp. in Racing and Ornamental Pigeons in Poland
A. Sawicka, G. Tomczyk, O. Kursa, T. Stenzel
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

This report is one of the first studies describing the relationship between the occurrence of Mycoplasma spp. as regards the type of breed and health status of pigeons. The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of Mycoplasma gallisepticum, Mycoplasma synoviae, Mycoplasma columbinum, Mycoplasma columborale, and Mycoplasma columbinasale in Polish populations of racing and ornamental pigeons in the context of their correlation with type of breed and health status. The study was conducted on 179 samples (100 racing and 79 ornamental pigeons) collected from pigeons in different regions of Poland. Tracheal swabs were examined for Mycoplasma spp. using genus-specific PCR. If Mycoplasma spp. were detected, the species were identified by species-specific PCR developed on the 16–23S rRNA intergenic spacer region. Ninety-two of 100 (92%) racing pigeons and 67 of 79 (85%) ornamental pigeons were Mycoplasma spp. positive. None of the tested pigeons were positive for M. gallisetpticum or M. synoviae. The average prevalence of M. columbinum was determined at 49%, M. columborale at 79%, and M. columbinasale at 23% in all birds tested. A single mycoplasma infection was found in 40% of pigeons whereas multiple infections were found in 49% of tested birds. Differences were found in the occurrence of mycoplasmas between racing and ornamental pigeons. Our results have shown a high prevalence of Mycoplasma species both as a single and as multiple infections.

A. Sawicka, G. Tomczyk, O. Kursa, and T. Stenzel "Occurrence and Relevance of Mycoplasma spp. in Racing and Ornamental Pigeons in Poland," Avian Diseases 63(3), 468-473, (30 May 2019). https://doi.org/10.1637/12018-122718-Reg.1
Received: 19 April 2019; Accepted: 23 May 2019; Published: 30 May 2019
KEYWORDS
health status
Mycoplasma columbinasale
Mycoplasma columbinum
Mycoplasma columborale
Mycoplasma gallisepticum
Mycoplasma synoviae
ornamental pigeons
RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS
Get copyright permission
Back to Top