RISK FACTORS AND SEROPREVALENCE OF MYCOPLASMA SYNOVIAE INFECTION IN BROILER BREEDER FARMS IN MAZANDARAN PROVINCE, NORTH IRAN

Mycoplasma Synoviae (MS) is a considerable and economically crucial pathogen for avian species. This study was aimed to determine the risk factors (age, size of flock, season, and strain) and seroprevalence of M. synoviae in broiler breeder farms in Mazandaran province, north of Iran. The study was conducted from May 2002 to October 2008. MS was confirmed by Rapid Serum Plate Agglutination (SPA) and Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) tests. Broiler breeder farms (n=315) were followed for this study and three samples for every thousand were obtained randomly. Sera that were SPA positive were analyzed for antibodies against MS using a commercially available ELISA antibody test kit. The highest (41.2%) and lowest (0%) prevalence of MS infection was found in 2003 and 2008, respectively. Results showed that the prevalence of MS infection increased with the increase of age. No relation between a special breed with M. synoviae status could be found. Seasonal variations of prevalence with MS infection were observed in the present study. The population of the flocks ddid not influence Mycoplasma Synoviae prevalence. The results showed that occurrence of M. synoviae has a significant relationship with the age and sampling district.