Occurrence and relevance of Mycoplasma spp. in free-ranging pheasants from northwestern Germany

Abstract Since 2008/2009, the population of free-ranging ring-necked pheasants was recorded to decrease all over Germany. Various Mycoplasma ( M .) spp. are causing severe respiratory signs in captive game bird species. Furthermore, M. gallisepticum is responsible for massive die-offs consequence conjunctivitis house finches USA. Therefore, prevalence mycoplasmas investigated and a potential impact on decline discussed. Within this study, 150 were sampled via tracheal swabs tissue samples trachea periorbital skin, as latter displayed inflammatory alterations previous studies. In total, 177 presence using cultural molecular biological methods. 76 birds, necropsy performed additionally. 73.7% (51/76) examined had skin alterations. 64.4% (114/177) tested positive PCR. Overall, 102/177 (57.6%, 78/105 swabs, 19/51 tissue, 5/21 tissue) culture. gallinaceum n = 50), pullorum 45), glycophilum 43), iners 11), gallinarum 5) frequently isolated. 45 cases (45.9%), multiple isolated from one sample. All negative . Of 51 mycoplasmas, 24 (47.1%) showed histology, 58.3% (14/24) these there significant correlation between altered detection samples. Based present results, may play role facultative agents observed However, additional investigation needed confirm presumption.