Authors : Zahraa Faisal, Aini Ideris, Mohd Hair-Bejo, Abdul Rahman Omar and Tan ChingGiap
Abstract: The detection of Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) infection in chickens in selected commercial farms (breeder, broiler and layer), Progeny-pipped Embryos (PE) and day old chicks Poor Quality Chicks (PQC) and Normal Chicks (NC) obtained from Peninsular, Malaysia was determined. These farms have the history of vaccination with mild live and killed MG vaccine or antimicrobial prophylactic or treatment. To conduct this study, a total of 3056 samples were collected and conventional PCR test was performed using specific gene target sequence, encoding the surface protein for detection of MG directly from the clinical samples without prior isolation of the target MG. The primer was designed to bind to the adherence protein a (GAPA) and amplify a 505 bp DNA fragment and there are no secondary copies of this gene. Results revealed that five hundred seventy one positive samples of MG out of 3056 samples were obtained and the overall prevalence was 18.68%. This study shows high detection of MG infection through vertical and horizontal transmission from many geographically distinct areas of the country although, these farms had vaccination and treatment history. So, these results demonstrated that MG eradication program is not successful, despite the use of live and killed MG vaccines, an extensive medication program and strict biosecurity. It is recommended that PCR assay is used to monitor broiler breeder flocks for MG challenge during the laying cycle using progenies and confirm that point of lay broiler-breeder pullets are free of field MG strain. In addition to the importance of flock health monitoring in progenies, especially those pipped embryos and poor quality chicks and especially breeders in order to provide MG-free progeny.
Zahraa Faisal, Aini Ideris, Mohd Hair-Bejo, Abdul Rahman Omar and Tan ChingGiap, 2011. The Prevalence of Mycoplasma gallisepticum Infection in Chickens from Peninsular Malaysia. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 10: 1867-1874.