Isolation of a Mycoplasma sp. from three buzzards (Buteo spp.)

Mycoplasma spp. were isolated from the respiratory tissues of three buzzards. Bird I, a rough-legged buzzard (Buteo lagopus), showed airsacculitis, catarrhal-fibrinous pneumonia, and catarrhal tracheitis. Bird II, a common buzzard (Buteo buteo), revealed mycotic airsacculitis, bronchitis and pneumonia. Bird III was a healthy rough-legged buzzard. All isolates metabolized glucose but not arginine and were serologically identical by immunofluorescence and growth-inhibition tests. No serological cross-reactions were seen with several known Mycoplasma species.