Chronic Respiratory Disease/Mycoplasmosis in Peafowl

Peafowl are prone to Chronic Respiratory Disease/Mycoplasmosis.  This disease can effect a wide range of domestic and wild birds.

Due to the fact that peafowl are not a major commodity in the US economy little research has been done about effective treatment of the disease in peafowl. 


Nature of the disease
Mycoplasmosis due to M. gallisepticum (MG) is a chronic respiratory disease of birds.
Classification
OIE, List B disease
Susceptible species
Chicken, turkeys, pheasants, peafowl, guinea fowl, quail, ducks, pigeons and wide range of wild birds.
Distribution
Worldwide, in the Pacific Region it is identified or suspected in most places.
Clinical signs 
The incubation period varies between 1 to 3 weeks. Clinical signs include:
  • Nasal discharge,
  • Foamy or bubbly condition of the eyes
  • Persistent hacking cough, sneezing and sniffing, and tracheal rales. 
  • Poor physical condition and loss of weight 
  • In broilers, the onset of signs are severe and include severe reduced growth rate and feed intake. 
  • In layers there is a marked drop in egg production and feed consumption.
           

Morbidity is high and mortality is low, excepting for turkeys,  where mortality is very high.

Post-mortem findings 
Sinusitis, tracheitis and air-sacculitis. The mucous membranes are thickened, hyperplasic and necrotic.

Return to Care of Peafowl page