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Published on: August 22, 2019
Injecting antibiotics into turkey hatching eggs to eliminate Mycoplasma meleagridis infection
Abstract:
Hatching eggs from a commercial strain of turkeys infected naturally with Mycoplasma meleagridis were injected before incubation with various doses of tylosin, gentamicin, erythromycin, and chloramphenicol, individually and in combination. The antibiotics were inoculated into the albumen through a hole made in the small end of the egg. Gentamicin was the only drug consistently effective in reducing infection. With inoculation by the procedure described, the embryos tolerated several dose levels of gentamicin, tylosin, and erythromycin well.
Insights
Gentamicin effectively reduced Mycoplasma meleagridis infections in turkey embryos when injected into hatching eggs. Other antibiotics showed limited efficacy, but embryos tolerated gentamicin, tylosin, and erythromycin well.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Microbiology
- Poultry Science
Background:
- Mycoplasma meleagridis is a significant pathogen in commercial turkey flocks.
- Effective methods for controlling vertical transmission of Mycoplasma meleagridis are crucial for poultry health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of four antibiotics (tylosin, gentamicin, erythromycin, chloramphenicol) in controlling Mycoplasma meleagridis infection in turkey embryos.
- To determine the safety of these antibiotics when administered via albumen injection to developing turkey embryos.
Main Methods:
- Hatching turkey eggs naturally infected with Mycoplasma meleagridis were injected with varying doses of antibiotics into the albumen before incubation.
- Antibiotics were administered individually and in combination using a standardized inoculation technique.
Main Results:
- Gentamicin demonstrated consistent effectiveness in reducing Mycoplasma meleagridis infection rates.
- Tylosin, erythromycin, and chloramphenicol showed limited or no significant efficacy in controlling the infection.
- Turkey embryos tolerated several dose levels of gentamicin, tylosin, and erythromycin well, indicating good embryonic safety.
Conclusions:
- Intra-albumen injection of gentamicin is a promising strategy for mitigating Mycoplasma meleagridis transmission in commercial turkey production.
- Further research may explore optimized gentamicin dosages and combinations for maximum efficacy and safety.
