Eggshell abnormalities were seen in the apex of eggs in two of three flocks of multi-age, Hy-Line layer chickens housed on a farm in Northern Italy. Approximately 1.3% to 1.8% of eggs in one flock were affected, amounting to 300–400 eggs per day; the abnormalities resulted in a great deal of breakage and spoilage of healthy eggs. The mean weight of eggs was also reduced. Egg abnormalities in a second flock were less severe. Mycoplasma synoviae was detected in birds from both of the affected flocks by serologic, cultural, and molecular techniques, but not in a third, adjacent flock where no eggshell abnormalities were seen. Treatment with tylosin, administered in the drinking water for 5 days, resulted in an immediate improvement of eggshell quality and egg weight. There was no evidence of infectious bronchitis virus in the flocks.
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1 June 2010
Treatment of Eggshell Abnormalities and Reduced Egg Production Caused by Mycoplasma synoviae Infection
Salvatore Catania,
Dania Bilato,
Federica Gobbo,
Anna Granato,
Calogero Terregino,
Luciano Iob,
Robin A. J. Nicholas
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Avian Diseases
Vol. 54 • No. 2
June 2010
Vol. 54 • No. 2
June 2010
economic losses
eggshell abnormalities
Mycoplasma synoviae
tylosin