i have been looking on the internet for smptoms of mycoplasma and i found this so i thought it would be good to share on here for ppl like me that are not to sure .
(c) MYCOPLASMA - Mycoplasma gallisepticum
Approx 95% of flocks will have Mycoplasma present in the UK
Symptoms
SEEK A VETS ADVICE if you have more than 2 of the following symptoms or have any worries.
• Rattling sounds when breathing
• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Nasal discharge
• Loss of weight
• Loss of appetite
• Swollen sinus can be a symptom of MG; this usually starts at the side of the eye nearest to the beak (sinus area) then can spread around the eye.
• Foamy discharge from eyes
• Watery eyes
• Bird becomes droopy
• Fishy breath
• White droppings
• sandpapery eggs
• As far as diagnosis goes, many infections display similar symptoms especially cold type symptoms. It is a mistake to presume that every bird with rattly breathing or other cold like symptoms has mycoplasma gallisepticum. Without a proper lab test one sometimes cannot be really certain what the infection is
Transmission
• Can be passed through the egg - If you incubate infected eggs you can get "bangers" which as the name suggests are exploding eggs in the incubator.
• If it is mycoplasma then there can be no guaranteed full recovery. mycoplasma is a chronic disease so once they catch it they have it for life.
• Introduction of infected birds or birds carrying the disease to existing flock
Treatments suggested by forum members:
• Antibiotics suggested ~ Tylan, Aureomycin (Chlortetracycline hydrochloride), Baytril (Enrofloxacin). These may sometimes need to be used in tandem. Usually given in injection form from daily to every couple of days.
- You can get Tylan in injection form for about £40; this however is only licensed in soluble form for chickens so would have to be prescribed by a vet. Aureomycin, which is about £15 for a tub and is mixed into the drinking water.
• Keep the infected bird warm and isolated
• Good husbandry can prevent the spread, using Stalosan F (a multi spectrum disinfectant powder) when cleaning out coops can prevent the mycoplasma and other (like cocciodosis) diseases getting out of control. Also use on fresh bedding.
• Ventilation and access to clean feed and water are also essential.
It lays dormant within the bird until some other illness or severe stress brings the birds resistance down, then the mycoplasma takes a hold. You can't inoculate against it, and it crosses the egg so that new chicks are born with it. It's an evil thing.