Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) infection will likely continue to persist in poultry, especially in broilers, broiler breeders, and commercial layers in many parts of the world. This is an indication that eradication efforts have not been completely successful so far.

Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) infection will likely continue to persist in poultry, especially in broilers, broiler breeders, and commercial layers in many parts of the world. This is an indication that eradication efforts have not been completely successful so far.

In the period after infection, the organism is present in the respiratory tissues in high levels and is shed into the environment and eggs. The infection persists in the flock for a long time. However, the organism is very fragile and can live outside the chicken for only a few days and is easily killed by disinfection.

Although biosecurity measures are very important, use of antibiotics and vaccines are also among the strategies which may reduce the adverse affects of MG infection in commercial farms.

I.    Depending on your workstation (broilers, broiler breeders, commercial layers), how is the magnitude of MG-related problems in your farm?
II.  Do you think that use of antibiotics is still the most practical way to manage this infection?
III. How promising do you see preventive effects of vaccination?
VI. How about using a combination of antibiotics and vaccines?