Publikationsdatenbank

Occurence of mycoplasmas in free-ranging birds of prey in Germany (2008)

Art

Zeitschriftenartikel / wissenschaftlicher Beitrag

Autoren

Lierz, M.

Hagen, N.

Hernandez-Divers, S. J.

Hafez, H. M.

Quelle

Journal of wildlife diseases / Wildlife Disease Association

Bandzählung: 44

Heftzählung: 4

Seiten: 845 – 850

ISSN: 0090-3558

Sprache

Englisch

Verweise

Pubmed: 18957640

Kontakt

Nutztierklinik: Abteilung Geflügel

Königsweg 63
14163 Berlin
+49 30 838 62676
gefluegelkrankheiten@vetmed.fu-berlin.de

Abstract / Zusammenfassung

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).