Risk factors and incidence of Mycoplamsa synoviae infection in broiler breeder farms in Morocco

Mycoplasma synoviae (MS) is an important avian pathogen of poultry production, and a worldwide emergent infection, causing respiratory tract infection and infectious synovitis. The aim of the present study is to determine the incidence of MS infection in broiler breeder farms in Morocco, and analyze the relationship between risk factors and infection. The study was based on direct diagnosis using Real time PCR, and evaluation of risk factors such as: age of flocks, age of farms, season, zone of sampling, and biosecurity measures. In fact, MS infection was associated significantly with the age (P<0,001). The prevalence was highest (50%) in autumn, (40%) in winter and lowest (25%) in spring. MS infection was significantly associated with age of farms at 8th week of age of flocks, and no significant difference was noted at 16th week.The prevalence was recorded highest 50% at 8th week, 75% at 16th week in farm situated in zone with high number of sites of poultry production above 300 farms. This same trend was observed in farm with lack of biosecurity and hygiene measures.The results showed that MS infection and transmission was significantly associated with age of flocks, age of farms and highest without significant relationship with season, zone of sampling, and biosecurity measures.