Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) is the causative agent of Chronic Respiratory Disease (CRD) in poultry. MG is transmitted horizontally and vertically. The approach to MG control differs for high and low prevalent situations. The disease is controlled by the slaughter of infected breeding stock and with biosecurity measures on production sites. If highly prevalent, vaccination and antibiotic treatment are also important tools. Monitoring should be tailored to prevalence and vaccination practices.

Why participate

• In some markets MG control is compulsory (i.e., EU trade legislation). 
• To minimize the economic impact of MG infections on production.
• To eradicate MG from your production.
• To provide an MG status certificate of parent flock, hatching eggs and day-old chicks. 

What sampling is involved

• Monthly serology and/or PCR samples submitted to GD. Sampling frequency is tailormade to clients’ demands and wishes and to MG prevalence.
• PCR testing of samples differentiates between field infection and vaccination (NB: antibiotic use will affect sampling protocols).
• Annual sampling protocols and schedules will be evaluated based on the current prevalence of MG. In cases of low prevalence, more and frequent sampling will help maintain an MG-free status.

How you get advised

• Our experts interpret the results and provide written advice.
• Advice should be based on local legislation. Any necessary measures to eradicate the disease may be voluntary; if this is not possible, measures taken will have to be based on local legislation. Legislation for MG differs per country; clients should be aware of this and are responsible for following the legislation in the country from which the samples originate.
• GD advice on reducing or eradicating MG will take a top-down approach in the poultry production chain and will include monitoring programmes, vaccination protocols, biosecurity measures etc.

Our expert

Anneke Feberwee, DVM, PhD, EBVS® Dr. A.Feberwee obtained a Doctor in Veterinary Medicine degree at Utrecht University in 1992. She finished her PhD thesis entitled 'Detection and epidemiology of M. gallisepticum and M. synoviae' in 2006. In 2009 she became De facto recognized Specialist in Poultry Veterinary Science appointed by the European College of Poultry Veterinary Science. She has been employed at GD from 1996 until present. From 1996 onwards, she has been working in the area of diagnostic field and disease control including the organized control of Salmonella and Mycoplasma and is as a scientist dedicated to applied research concerning various aspects of poultry health amongst which: Salmonella in chickens, Mycoplasma synoviae and M. gallisepticum infections in chickens and turkeys, Brachyspira infections in poultry, infectious Coryza. In 2011 she received the Bart Rispens Memorial Award for the most outstanding scientific publication in Avian Pathology during the years 2009 and 2010. Fields of expertise and publications