Mycoplasma gallisepticum is a common pathogen in poultry, causing
respiratory illness, arthritis, synovitis and mild conjunctivitis. In
1994, this species was identified as the causative agent of House Finch
(Carpodacus mexicanus) conjunctivitis- a disease leading to blindness.
M. gallisepticum had not previously been linked with diseases in North
American wild birds.
I would like to know if this is the same strain(s) that causes mild
conjunctivitis in poultry or a new strain of M. gallisepticum? In Canada
the incidence of M.gallisepticum in poultry is low or absent, however it
may be more prevalent in the southern USA e.g. North Carolina and Georgia.
Could this be a case of a poultry disease been passed onto wild birds?
Thanks
Rohan van Twest
rvantwes at uoguelph.ca
