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Isolation of Mycoplasma iowae in turkey flocks with skeletal abnormalities: a retrospective study
Marco Bottinelli1, Elisabetta Stefani1, Andrea Matucci1
1Mycoplasma Unit, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, SCT1, Verona, VR, Italy.
Abstract:
Mycoplasma iowae, a pathogen affecting the turkey industry, is commonly associated with decreased hatchability and leg abnormalities in young progeny. This Mycoplasma was in the spotlight more in the past than today since its prevalence has been decreasing over time. Reports of M. iowae in turkeys showing reduced growth performances, leg problems and skeletal abnormalities are scarce although there is no report whether this pathogen has been completely eradicated in commercial turkeys. Additionally, there are no comprehensive epidemiological data available on M. iowae prevalence in any country. Therefore, we carried out a retrospective study to evaluate the prevalence of the infection and any correlation between necropsy findings and M. iowae presence in Italian turkeys between 2011 and 2012. Necropsy was performed on 101 dead turkey submissions presented for diagnostic purposes. Fifty-six submissions (55.4%) tested positive for M. iowae, most of which (69.6%) were between 4 and 7 weeks of age. Skeletal abnormalities were observed in 36 cases (35.6%). The logistic regression analysis revealed that the probability of finding a M. iowae-positive submission was four times higher if the animals showed skeletal abnormalities (OR = 4.48, IC 95%: 1.66-12.15). This is the first retrospective, cross-sectional study on M. iowae field outbreaks in commercial turkeys. These results suggest that M. iowae should be considered as a differential diagnosis when skeletal abnormalities are observed. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTSM. iowae was found in more than half of the turkey groups analysed.M. iowae was likely to be detected if skeletal abnormalities were present in the studied turkeys.
Insights
Mycoplasma iowae was detected in over half of analyzed turkey flocks, with skeletal abnormalities significantly increasing the likelihood of infection. This highlights M. iowae as a key consideration for leg problems in turkeys.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Avian Pathology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Mycoplasma iowae (M. iowae) is a turkey pathogen linked to hatchability and leg issues.
- M. iowae prevalence has declined, with limited current data on its occurrence and impact.
- Comprehensive epidemiological data on M. iowae in commercial turkeys is lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence of M. iowae in Italian turkeys.
- To investigate the correlation between necropsy findings and M. iowae infection.
- To provide updated epidemiological insights into M. iowae in commercial turkey flocks.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study analyzing 101 dead turkey submissions from 2011-2012.
- Diagnostic necropsy and M. iowae testing on submitted samples.
- Logistic regression analysis to determine correlations between findings and infection.
Main Results:
- M. iowae was detected in 55.4% of submissions, primarily in turkeys aged 4-7 weeks.
- Skeletal abnormalities were present in 35.6% of cases.
- A four-fold increased probability of M. iowae detection was associated with skeletal abnormalities (OR = 4.48).
Conclusions:
- M. iowae remains a relevant pathogen in commercial turkey populations.
- Skeletal abnormalities in turkeys are a significant indicator for potential M. iowae infection.
- M. iowae should be considered in differential diagnoses for turkeys exhibiting skeletal issues.
