Transmissibility of the F Strain of Mycoplasma gallisepticum in Leghorn Chickens

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Abstract
Leghorn pullets free of M. gallisepticum (MG) were infected with the F strain of MG at .apprx. 18 wk of age. At various times up to 27 wk postinfection, infected chickens were placed in a pen with uninfected controls. Infected chickens remained tracheal carriers up to 49 wk postinfection. Infection was readily transmitted to penmates during the first 4 wk postinfection; in most instances from 6-27 wk postinfection transmission to penmates became progressively slower. Five groups of broiler chickens were reared in the same house as the Leghorn chickens up to 8 wk of age. Only 1 of the 5 groups became infected. Birds in this group were reared in a pen adjacent to infected pullets from 1 day of age and were apparently not infected until they were nearly 8 wk old. At no time did transmission occur between groups separated by an aisle or empty pen.

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