Dealing with Mycoplasmosis in Broiler Poultry

Mycoplasmosis is one of the common bacterial diseases that affect broiler poultry in Pakistan. It mainly affects the respiratory system of chickens, leading to significant losses for farmers if not properly managed. Understanding how to prevent and treat Mycoplasmosis is essential for the health of your flock and the success of your broiler farming.

In this article, we will explain what Mycoplasmosis is, its symptoms, how it spreads, and how you can prevent and treat this disease in your broilers. We’ll also recommend some helpful products from Arafal Enterprises that can support your broilers during this disease.

What is Mycoplasmosis?

Mycoplasmosis is a bacterial infection caused by Mycoplasma gallisepticum, which primarily affects the respiratory system of chickens. It is commonly found in broiler farms and can cause economic losses due to decreased growth rates, increased feed conversion, and mortality in chickens. The disease is highly contagious and can spread quickly through direct contact between chickens or through the air.

How Mycoplasmosis Spreads

Mycoplasmosis spreads in broiler flocks through several ways, including:

• Direct contact: Healthy birds can get infected by being in close contact with infected birds.
• Airborne transmission: The bacteria can be spread through droplets in the air, especially in poorly ventilated spaces.
• Contaminated equipment: Feeders, waterers, and other farm equipment that come into contact with infected birds can also carry the bacteria.
• Egg transmission: Mycoplasmosis can be passed from an infected hen to her eggs, resulting in chicks being born with the disease.

Symptoms of Mycoplasmosis in Broilers

It’s important to watch out for the early symptoms of Mycoplasmosis so you can take action quickly. The most common symptoms in broilers are:

• Coughing or sneezing
• Watery or foamy eyes
• Nasal discharge
• Swollen sinuses (especially around the eyes)
• Difficulty breathing
• Decreased feed intake
• Weight loss
• Reduced growth rate
• Lethargy or weakness

These symptoms can be mild at first, but they can worsen if left untreated. Severe cases of Mycoplasmosis can result in high mortality rates, which is why early detection and treatment are critical.

Preventing Mycoplasmosis in Broilers

Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some practical steps to help protect your broiler flock from Mycoplasmosis:

1. Maintain Proper Biosecurity: One of the best ways to prevent Mycoplasmosis is by following strict biosecurity measures on your farm. Make sure you keep your farm clean and disinfect all equipment regularly. Limit access to your farm, and ensure that visitors disinfect their shoes and hands before entering the farm.
2. Ensure Good Ventilation: Mycoplasmosis thrives in poorly ventilated environments. Ensure proper airflow in your poultry houses to reduce the spread of airborne bacteria.
3. Quarantine New Birds: Always quarantine new birds before introducing them to your flock. This will help prevent the spread of any potential infections.
4. Vaccination: In some cases, vaccination can help protect against Mycoplasmosis. Consult with a poultry veterinarian to see if vaccination is a good option for your flock.
5. Egg Quality Control: To prevent the disease from spreading through eggs, make sure you buy eggs and chicks from reliable and disease-free sources.

Treatment of Mycoplasmosis in Broilers

If you suspect Mycoplasmosis in your broiler flock, it’s essential to take action quickly. A veterinarian can confirm the diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment. Antibiotics are commonly used to treat Mycoplasmosis, and you should administer them under the guidance of a poultry expert.

Here are some effective products from Arafal Enterprises that can help manage Mycoplasmosis and support your broiler flock:

OXYJIN

• Composition: Bromhexine, Aminophylline, Guaiphenesin, N-Acetylcysteine, Licorice, Peppermint Oil, Eucalyptus Oil, Olive Oil, Soybean Oil
• How it Helps: OXYJIN can be beneficial for broilers suffering from respiratory diseases like Mycoplasmosis. The ingredients like Bromhexine and Aminophylline help open the airways, making breathing easier for birds. The oils (Peppermint, Eucalyptus, and Soybean) also soothe the respiratory tract and reduce inflammation.

This product can be used as a supportive treatment along with antibiotics to help relieve the respiratory symptoms in infected birds and improve their overall condition.

Aeromint

• Composition: Menthol USP, Thymol USP, Eucalyptus Oil BP, Peppermint Oil USP, Olive Oil USP, Soybean Oil BP, Camphor Oil, Pine Oil
• How it Helps: Aeromint is an excellent product for relieving respiratory issues in broilers. The essential oils in Aeromint, such as Eucalyptus and Peppermint, help to clear the airways and reduce congestion. This can help your broilers breathe more easily when they have respiratory infections like Mycoplasmosis.

D.Stress

• Composition: Dextrose, Sodium Chloride, Zinc Sulphate, Manganese, Ferrus Sulphate, Vitamin C, Selenium, Potassium Chloride
• How it Helps: D.Stress can help support your flock during disease outbreaks by boosting their immune system. The Vitamin C and Selenium in this product strengthen the birds’ resistance to infections and help them recover faster.

Key Takeaways for Pakistani Farmers

• Biosecurity: Keep your farm clean and implement strict biosecurity measures to prevent the spread of Mycoplasmosis.
• Good Ventilation: Make sure your poultry houses have good ventilation to reduce the risk of respiratory infections.
• Early Detection: Watch for early symptoms like coughing, nasal discharge, and difficulty breathing. Acting quickly can save your flock from severe losses.
• Use of Supportive Medicines: Products like OXYJIN, Aeromint, and D.Stress from Arafal Enterprises can help manage symptoms and support recovery in birds infected with Mycoplasmosis.

By following these steps, you can protect your broilers from Mycoplasmosis and ensure a healthy and productive flock. Always consult with a poultry veterinarian before administering any treatment to ensure the best outcomes for your farm.

Note: Please do not use any medicine without consulting a qualified veterinary doctor. Always follow professional advice to ensure the safety and health of your poultry.