Isolation of Mycoplasma synoviae from infectious synovitis of chickens

This report describes the first isolations of Mycoplasma synoviae from the synovial sheaths and joints of commercial chickens affected with synovitis in Australia. Over 4 years 3 separate outbreaks were investigated in which up to 20% of birds exhibited clinical signs of poor growth and "hot foot" syndrome (swollen inflamed footpads). Once an outbreak occurred, chronic infection of the farm usually ensued. Grossly the hocks and footpads were swollen by a purulent exudate and associated inflammatory changes with histological features of a severe acute synovitis. Seroconversion of the flocks occurred at the time of the development of lesions. M. synoviae specific antibodies were demonstrated by ELISA in the joint fluid of affected birds. It is concluded that the cases described are similar to avian infectious synovitis syndrome caused by M. synoviae previously described overseas.