Mycoplasma infections in birds may result in respiratory ailments in adults and can cause a significant increase in mortality in embryos and chicks since infection is often transmitted through the egg. We have initiated studies of the endangered Palila (Loxioides bailleui) to determine the extent that mycoplasma(s) may contribute to mortality of adults (37%), hatch years (64%) and nestlings (57%) observed in this species.
Endangered Palila (Loxioides bailleui)
The Palila is endangered largely due to habitat loss, threats to food resources, predation and avian disease (likely avian malaria, Plasmodium relictum) with the remnant populations currently restricted to high-elevation dry woodlands on Mauna Kea, Hawaii. While avian mycoplasma, is not generally considered as one of the main causes of population decline, it may be one factor contributing to the low survival rates observed in Palila. We have initiated studies for the detection and identification of mycoplasma species by culture and by PCR (polymerase chain reaction) to substantiate previous surveys. We are initially using PCR primers known to amplify specific gene regions from nine different avian mycoplasmas (*Lauerman et al. 1995) to begin our evaluation.
*L.H. Lauerman, A.R. Chilina, J.A. Closser and D. Johansen. 1995. Avian mycoplasma identification using polymerase chain reaction amplicon and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. Avian Diseases 39:804-811.
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