Introduction:
Infection with Mycoplasma gallisepticum is associated with slow onset, chronic respiratory disease in chickens, turkeys, game birds, pigeons and other wild birds. Ducks and geese can become infected when held with infected chickens. In turkeys it is most associated with severe sinusitis (see separate description in the turkey section). The condition occurs worldwide, though in some countries this infection is now rare in commercial poultry. In others it is actually increasing because of more birds in extensive production systems that expose them more to wild birds.In adult birds, though infection rates are high, morbidity may be minimal and mortality varies.
The route of infection is via the conjunctiva or upper respiratory tract with an incubation period of 6-10 days.
