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Updated: Dec 30, 2025
Antigen-Capture Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Specific Detection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae
Published on: February 24, 2023
Occurrence and Relevance of Mycoplasma spp. in Racing and Ornamental Pigeons in Poland
A Sawicka1, G Tomczyk2, O Kursa2
1Department of Poultry Diseases, National Veterinary Research Institute, Aleja Partyzantow 57, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland, anna.sawicka@piwet.pulawy.pl.
Abstract:
This report is one of the first studies describing the relationship between the occurrence of Mycoplasma spp. as regards the type of breed and health status of pigeons. The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of Mycoplasma gallisepticum, Mycoplasma synoviae, Mycoplasma columbinum, Mycoplasma columborale, and Mycoplasma columbinasale in Polish populations of racing and ornamental pigeons in the context of their correlation with type of breed and health status. The study was conducted on 179 samples (100 racing and 79 ornamental pigeons) collected from pigeons in different regions of Poland. Tracheal swabs were examined for Mycoplasma spp. using genus-specific PCR. If Mycoplasma spp. were detected, the species were identified by species-specific PCR developed on the 16-23S rRNA intergenic spacer region. Ninety-two of 100 (92%) racing pigeons and 67 of 79 (85%) ornamental pigeons were Mycoplasma spp. positive. None of the tested pigeons were positive for M. gallisetpticum or M. synoviae. The average prevalence of M. columbinum was determined at 49%, M. columborale at 79%, and M. columbinasale at 23% in all birds tested. A single mycoplasma infection was found in 40% of pigeons whereas multiple infections were found in 49% of tested birds. Differences were found in the occurrence of mycoplasmas between racing and ornamental pigeons. Our results have shown a high prevalence of Mycoplasma species both as a single and as multiple infections.
Insights
This study found a high prevalence of Mycoplasma species in Polish racing and ornamental pigeons, with Mycoplasma columborale being the most common. Infections varied between breeds, indicating breed-specific susceptibility.
Area of Science:
- Avian health
- Veterinary microbiology
- Zoonotic disease research
Background:
- Mycoplasma species are significant pathogens in avian populations.
- Understanding Mycoplasma prevalence in pigeons is crucial for flock health management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of specific Mycoplasma species in Polish racing and ornamental pigeons.
- To investigate the correlation between Mycoplasma occurrence, pigeon breed, and health status.
Main Methods:
- Collection of tracheal swabs from 179 racing and ornamental pigeons across Poland.
- Detection of Mycoplasma spp. using genus-specific PCR.
- Species identification via species-specific PCR targeting the 16-23S rRNA intergenic spacer region.
Main Results:
- High prevalence of Mycoplasma spp. detected: 92% in racing pigeons and 85% in ornamental pigeons.
- Mycoplasma columborale (79%), Mycoplasma columbinum (49%), and Mycoplasma columbinasale (23%) were prevalent.
- No infections with Mycoplasma gallisepticum or Mycoplasma synoviae were found.
- Single infections occurred in 40% and multiple infections in 49% of pigeons.
Conclusions:
- Polish pigeon populations exhibit a high prevalence of Mycoplasma infections, primarily Mycoplasma columborale.
- Significant differences in Mycoplasma occurrence were observed between racing and ornamental breeds.
- Further research is needed to understand the health implications and transmission dynamics of these Mycoplasma species in pigeons.
