Survey of Mycoplasma synoviae prevalence and economic impact in the Middle East and North Africa area

The bacteria M. synoviae (MS) is a member of the mycoplasma genus. It causes disease in the joints, bones, respiratory tract and oviduct of birds. A MS infection can result in big economic losses due to a drop in egg production and eggshell quality. During last few years, it was noticed that some layer and breeder flocks faced a drop in egg production of ~10%, some after the peak, while other before reaching the peak of production, along with poor eggshell quality. Publications from A. Feberwee et al* describes the association of MS with egg quality/shell problems in layers and breeders. Therefore, it was believed that it was valuable to investigate the prevalence of MS in the regions.

 

Blood samples have been collected from the Middle East and North African area from flocks suffering from production drops, respiratory signs, and poor eggshell quality. Also, samples were taken from broilers showing respiratory problems.

 

Blood samples were analyzed using serology-ELISA technique to detect the disease presence. Blood samples were collected from layers and breeders. At age < 16 weeks, 10% of the samples were found positive; While at age > 16 weeks, ~ 45% of the samples were found positive. Moreover, 4% of broiler samples were positive. In addition, the effect of its impact on the economy was estimated.

 

From above, it was concluded that field challenge with MS was found during rearing and production in layers and breeders, in addition to its presence in broilers. The flocks were treated but the treatments were not sufficient to control the disease for a long time.

 

Introduction: The bacteria M. synoviae (MS) is a member of the mycoplasma genus. It causes disease in the joints, bones, respiratory tract and oviduct of birds. An MS infection can result in big economic losses due to a drop in egg production, respiratory signs and eggshell quality. During last few years, it was noticed that some layer and breeder flocks faced a drop in egg production of ~10%, some after the peak, while other before reaching the peak of production, along with poor eggshell quality (glass window eggs). Therefore, it was believed that it was valuable to investigate the prevalence of MS in the Middle East and North Africa regions by taking random samples.

 

Method: Random blood samples were taken from layer and breeder during infection and 2 weeks after and analyzed using serology-ELISA technique to detect the disease presence. At age < 16 weeks, 10% of the samples were found positive; While at age > 16 weeks, ~ 45% of the samples were found positive. Moreover, 4% of broiler samples were positive.

 

Results and Discussion: Results showed the prevalence of MS although antibiotics were used. The % of MS at age < 16 weeks was 10% of the samples; while at age > 16 weeks, ~ 45% positive. Moreover, 4% of broiler samples were positive as seen in Table 1.

 

 

In addition to above, it was calculated the impact of its prevalence on economic, where it was found that the number of eggs lost during 21 days due to the production drop was approximately 180 boxes of eggs at $45 per box resulting in US $8100 loss due to the production loss. Not only that, but egg quality was also affected. Total broken eggs over the 21 days affected period to cause a loss of $1900. Therefore the total loss for this flock of 34,362 hens was about US $10,000 or 8956 Euros. Beside that the treatment cost using X product 60gm was calculated. The cost of one bottle is $75, the number of birds treated was 34000 for a duration of 3 days with a cost of $6500.

 

 

From above, it was concluded that field challenge with MS was found during rearing and production in layers and breeders, in addition to its presence in broilers. The flocks were treated but the treatments were not sufficient to control the disease which affects negatively economic of the farm.

 

 

 

 

*Feberwee et al Avian Pathology, AP 38 2009 77-85 induction of eggshell apex abnormalities by Mycoplasma Synoviae field and experimental studies.

*Feberwee et al Avian Pathology, AP 39 2010 133-137 induction of eggshell apex abnormalities in broiler breeder.