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Meningoencephalitis in commercial meat turkeys associated with Mycoplasma gallisepticum
R P Chin1, B M Daft, C U Meteyer
1California Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory System, University of California, Davis 95616.
Abstract:
Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) infection was diagnosed in three different flocks of 12-to-16-week-old commercial meat turkeys displaying torticollis and/or opisthotonos. MG was isolated from the brain, air sacs, trachea, and sinus of one bird with neurological signs. Histological examination of brains in all three cases revealed moderate-to-severe encephalitis with lymphoplasmacytic cuffing of vessels, fibrinoid vasculitis, focal parenchymal necrosis, and meningitis. Birds with neurological signs were seropositive for MG by the serum-plate agglutination and hemagglutination-inhibition tests. The encephalitic form of MG has been described previously but is rarely mentioned in the current literature.
Insights
Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) infection caused neurological signs like torticollis in commercial turkeys. This study highlights the rare encephalitic form of MG, emphasizing its potential impact on turkey flocks.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Neurology
- Avian Pathology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) is a significant avian pathogen.
- Neurological manifestations in turkeys are less commonly associated with MG in current literature.
- Torticollis and opisthotonos are indicative of neurological dysfunction in poultry.