2.1.3. Co-Infection of Broiler Chickens with Mycoplasma Synoviae (MS), NDV, IBV and ILTV to Reproduce Airsacculitis and Mortality Reported with MS Infections in the Field
PI: Ferguson-Noel N.
The overall objective (Objective 2) of this research is to investigate the multifactorial etiology involving poultry respiratory diseases. Mycoplasma synoviae (MS), is a poultry pathogen of worldwide prevalence that may result in respiratory disease ranging in severity from a subclinical upper respiratory infection to more severe disease, involving airsacculitis as well as synovitis. MS strains have been shown to vary widely in their virulence and in some instances MS infection is perceived to have little clinical impact on commercial poultry production and MS control is lower priority. This perception can be misleading as the clinical presentation of MS may be greatly exacerbated by concurrent respiratory virus or E. coli infection. In this project we will inoculate broiler chickens with recent MS strains and combinations of NDV, IBV or ILTV. The pathogens will be given simultaneously or sequentially and in different combinations. We will evaluate clinical signs and lesions as well as seroconversion, MS colonization of the trachea, air sacs and other tissues using quantitative real time PCR and re-isolation.
Yearly Goals:
Year 1:
Co-infection of commercial broiler chickens with IBV and MS. Groups of chickens (2 to 4 weeks of age) will be inoculated with recent MS isolates and IBV vaccine strains.
Year 2:
Co-infection of commercial broiler chickens with NDV and MS. Groups of chickens (2 to 4 weeks of age) will be inoculated with recent MS isolates and NDV vaccine strains.
Year 3:
Co-infection of commercial broiler chickens with ILTV and MS. Groups of chickens (2 to 4 weeks of age) will be inoculated with recent MS isolates and ILTV vaccine strains
Years 4 & 5:
Complementary co-infection studies will be conducted based on the results obtained in the previous years.
Potential Impact and Expected Outcomes:
These studies will provide important and current information on the interaction of MS and respiratory viruses in poultry and supply producers with objective information on the impact of MS infection on commercial poultry production and the importance of control of this vertically transmitted disease.
