Seroprevalence of mycoplasma gallisepticum in commercial poultry birds showing respiratory clinical signs in Chakwal District, Pakistan

Bacterial diseases are a huge concern for poultry farmers and cause huge economic loss to poultry industry every year. Various pathogens can initiate respiratory diseases in poultry, including mycoplasmosis caused by Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG). The distribution pattern of MG in layer flocks is not known in Chakwal. Keeping this in mind, current study was designed to know about distribution of MG. The present study was conducted on 25 commercial layer flocks from different regions of district Chakwal, Pakistan. A total of 358 blood samples were collected from different regions of district Chakwal and subjected to serological tests including enzyme linked immusorbant assay (ELISA) and rapid plate agglutination assay (RPA). The overall seroprevalence of MG detected through iELISA and RPA was 29.88 % and 20.67% respectively. Moreover, age-wise study revealed high prevalence of MG in 24-31 weeks old layers (44.17%) as compared to 55-63 weeks old layer flock (14.49%). The study of seasonal effect revealed highest MG prevalence in December (44%) while lowest in October (20%). Furthermore, higher prevalence was recorded in layer flocks with large number (4000-5000) as 33.33% than flocks with small number of birds (1000-2000) as 24.28%. In addition, it was also found that iELISA test is more sensitive and specific for detection of MG antibodies in serum samples as compared to RPA/SPA test. This evidence emphasizes the need of more systemic approaches for the investigation ofMG distribution and prevalence in otherparts of Pakistan in order to design effective control strategies.

Duke Scholars

Author Sajid Umar DKU Faculty