Mycoplasma gallisepticum and Mycoplasma synoviae in commercial poultry: Current control strategies and future challenges

Mycoplasma gallisepticum (Mg) and Mycoplasma synoviae (Ms) are regarded as the most important avian mycoplasma species for today's chicken and turkey farming industry from a clinical and economical perspective. Control strategies for Mg and Ms have become more efficient due to investments in mycoplasma research over the last 70 years. These investments have contributed to the further implementation of serological and molecular testing, the development of vaccines, and the improvement of antimicrobial treatment strategies. However the increasing spotlight on welfare, the pressure on prudent use of antimicrobials and the expected global increase in poultry production, are expected to have an impact on the future control of avian mycoplasmas in commercial poultry. In this paper a group of avian mycoplasma experts discuss the future challenges in mycoplasma control considering the background of these expected changes and the relevance for future avian mycoplasma research.