Mycoplasma infection is a disease of racing pigeons and the bane of many breeders. It is caused by bacteria (Mycoplasma columbinasale, M. columbinum, M. columborale), which are characterized by their specific structure. This specificity of bacterial structure is both an advantage and disadvantage from the breeder's perspective.
The bacterium lacks a typical cell wall, which makes it easily susceptible to disinfectants. However, the disadvantage of this structure is resistance to broad-spectrum antibiotics.
Scale of the problem in Poland
In Poland, mycoplasma infection is a very serious problem in breeding. It is estimated that nearly 80% of pigeons are infected and 70% of wild birds. Such data, combined with difficult access to appropriate diagnostics, creates very serious difficulties for racing pigeon breeders.
Symptoms of mycoplasma infection
Mycoplasmas settle in the respiratory system, where they cause inflammation. Clinical symptoms include:
- Nasal discharge
- Wheezing during breathing (open beak)
- Conjunctivitis
- Swelling under the eyes
Articular form
There are also strains of mycoplasmas that attack the locomotor system, giving symptoms often confused with articular salmonella:
- Joint swelling in limbs
- Wing joint swelling
- Lethargy
- Lameness
How infection occurs
Infection occurs through airborne transmission by inhaling pathogens, also through the conjunctiva.
Factors promoting infection:
- Increased ammonia concentration in the air due to poor hygiene combined with poor ventilation or lack thereof
- Dust
- Vitamin A deficiency
- Manganese and zinc deficiency
- Stress
Prevention and prophylaxis
Loft hygiene
Maintaining hygiene in the loft is very important for reducing mycoplasma infection.
Key actions:
- Remove droppings regularly to prevent increased ammonia concentration
- Clean ventilation outlets from dust to improve air quality
- Ensure effective ventilation that eliminates dust and ammonia concentration
Proper diet and supplementation
A diet rich in vitamins, macro and microelements additionally strengthens the organism against infection or acute disease progression.
Due to infection-promoting factors such as deficiency of vitamin A, zinc or manganese, the diet used in breeding should be balanced. We can supplement these components through dietary supplements or diet itself by introducing ingredients rich in these elements, e.g. carrots, pumpkin, egg yolks, cottage cheese.
Valetudinis – comprehensive immunity support
A vegetable-herbal mixture with high content of biotin, folic acid, vitamin A, B6, potassium, magnesium, zinc and manganese.
Dosage: 1 teaspoon of mixture per 1 kg of feed moistened with high-fat natural yogurt.
Support during illness
During illness, it is important to remember to improve the respiratory quality of birds with preparations that have secretion-thinning properties, so that pigeons have a chance for faster recovery and comfort during infection.
TRS – respiratory tract cleansing
Herbal mixture cleansing respiratory tract with properties that thin phlegm and promote expectoration.
Dosage: 1 teaspoon of mixture per 1 kg of moistened feed.
Summary
Mycoplasma infection is a serious problem requiring a comprehensive approach:
- Prevention – hygiene, ventilation, proper diet
- Early recognition of symptoms
- Effective support during illness
- Regular diagnostic testing
Remember that proper prevention is always better than treatment. By investing in loft hygiene and proper nutrition, we significantly reduce the risk of infection and its negative effects.
Good flight.