Journal article

Publication year: 2008

Pages: 845-850

Journal: Journal of Wildlife Diseases

Volume number: 44

Issue number: 4

ISSN: 0090-3558

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.7589/0090-3558-44.4.845

Publisher: Wildlife Disease Association

Abstract: 
Mycoplasmas are well-known avian pathogens of poultry and some passerines. Although reported in birds of prey, their role as pathogens is still unclear. Healthy, free-ranging raptor nestlings sampled during a routine ringing (banding) program, and birds of prey from rehabilitation centers, tested positive for Mycoplasma spp. by culture and a genus-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Given the lack of clinical signs and disease, we suggest that mycoplasmas in raptors may be commensal rather than pathogenic. Using immunobinding assay and species-specific PCR tests, Mycoplasma buteonis, M. falconis, and M. gypis were identified; M. falconis was only detected in falcons. Additionally, some isolates could not be identified. This is the first report of Mycoplasma spp. isolations from Western Marsh Harriers (Circus aeroginosus), a Eurasian Hobby (Falco subbuteo), and a Barn Owl (Tyto alba).

Harvard Citation style: Lierz, M., Hagen, N., Hernadez-Divers, S. and Hafez, H. (2008) Occurrence of mycoplasmas in free-ranging birds of prey in Germany., Journal of Wildlife Diseases, 44(4), pp. 845-850. https://doi.org/10.7589/0090-3558-44.4.845

APA Citation style: Lierz, M., Hagen, N., Hernadez-Divers, S., & Hafez, H. (2008). Occurrence of mycoplasmas in free-ranging birds of prey in Germany.. Journal of Wildlife Diseases. 44(4), 845-850. https://doi.org/10.7589/0090-3558-44.4.845