Longevity of Disease in Environment

[altair]

Hey chicken keepers,
Does anyone know how long mycoplasmas stay alive in the environment, specifically in a deep litter and free range setting?

 

[Eggcessive]

I would never presume that mycoplasma is what you are dealing with unless you have testing done to confirm it. Zoologix is a national lab that tests for it, and a necropsy by your state vet on a dead body can confirm it. There can be other similar or secondary diseases. Mycoplasma does not live more than 2-3 days in the environment on equipment. If you use deep litter, I would remove it and disinfect or lime the coop before adding new birds. MG may last longer on powered droppings or egg material and can be passed through hatching eggs. Here is some reading about MG:
https://thepoultrysite.com/disease-...tion-m-g-chronic-respiratory-disease-chickens

https://extension.umd.edu/sites/ext... Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) Infecti....pdf

 

[altair]

Yes, my flock does have vet confirmed MG. It does seem like a fragile organism from what I have read, thankfully.

 

[Eggcessive]

It is also very common in backyard flocks. There is a vaccine available as well.

 

[altair]

Yes, I believe you're right in it being common. I can't quite determine where I got it from, I suspect some adult NPIP birds I purchased on one occasion or even hatching eggs from other NPIP sources. Otherwise I've always gotten day-olds or hatched from my own flock. Lesson learned.