CONTROL OF MYCOPLASMA GALLISEPTICUM INFECTION IN COMMERCIAL CHICKEN FLOCKS VIA VACCINATION

Abstract

Avian mycoplasmosis caused by Mycoplasma gal/isepticum is one of the major enemies of poultry industry causing colossal economic losses including reduced feed conversion in both broilers and layers, and significant decrease in egg production of the commercial hens. The latter economic loss appears to be more clearly evident problem in multiple-age commercial egg producing farms. The increased medication costs are additional factors that makes Mycoplasma gallisepticum infection is one of the costliest disease problems confronting the poultry industry. Therefore control of that disease through vaccination is a crucial goal.

The fundamental goal of the present investigation was directed to study the following topics; a) serological survey on Mycoplasma gallisepticum infection in some broiler, layer and breeder-broiler flocks, and b) Comparison between a layer flock vaccinated with Mycoplasma gallisepticum F strain vaccine and a non-vaccinated naturally infected laying flock (particularly from the production point of view; egg production and egg weight) to clear up the significant or insignificant role of this vaccine on the production of egg producing farms under field conditions (endemic areas).