Two species namely Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) and Mycoplasma synoviae (MS) are pathogenic for chicken. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Respiratory diseases in chickens are generally caused by a variety of bacteria belonging to the genus ‘Mycoplasma,’ that possess certain distinctive features that set them apart from typical bacteria

While a total of 20 Mycoplasma species have been isolated from avian hosts, according to the MSD Veterinary Manual, only four species are considered pathogenic in poultry. Out of these two particular species namely, Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) and Mycoplasma synoviae (MS) are pathogenic for chicken.

In broiler chickens, MG is a primary cause of chronic respiratory disease that can have detrimental impacts on both egg production and meat processing. The most notable impact includes a sharp drop in the number of eggs laid per hen over the production cycle. In case of large commercial operations, MG can cause increased condemnation in the processing plant. This means that a large number of carcasses may need to be discarded after being deemed unsafe for human consumption. Common symptoms of MG include coughing, sneezing and breathing difficulties, as well as the presence of nasal discharge and conjuctivitis with frothiness around the eyes. Severity may vary from mild to severe, with some cases occurring alongside E coli infections.

MS on the other hand, is transmitted through the egg and often causes subclinical infection of the upper respiratory tract. Infection rate is reported to be low, with some progeny even being free of infection. The infection affects layer flocks of various age groups, resulting in a decrease in egg production and significant abnormalities in egg shells. First signs of MS, also known as infectious synovitis include discolouration of head parts and difficulties in walking, mainly due to the occurrence of inflammation in their hocks and footpads. Morbidity of the disease is considered moderate, with the overall mortality rate ranging from 1-10%.

Controlling both MG and MS involves administering antibiotics. Treatment options for MG involves using tylosin or tetracyclines to reduce egg transmission. For MS, a live, temperature-sensitive vaccine (MS-H) is available in many countries.

Ambassador Josefa Sacko during the launch event in Ethiopia. (Image source: WOAH)

Under the guidance of the Global Strategy for the Control and Eradication of PPR, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) has collaborated with the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), with the aim of eradicating peste des petits ruminants (PPR) by 2030

The strategy lays emphasis on disease surveillance, targeted vaccination campaigns, managing animal movement and adopting safe trade practices. Moreover, it focuses on boosting veterinary services and controlling other priority diseases such as foot and mouth disease (FMD). Effective PPR control involves identifying high-risk animal populations and transmission zones, while also carrying out targeted intervention strategies through the consistent monitoring of disease patterns.

African countries that have felt the impact of these outbreaks have made a significant contribution to food security by investing heavily in surveillance and vaccination programmes. The official launch of the Pan-African Programme for the Eradication of PPR and Control of Other Priority Small Ruminant Diseases in February has marked a US$599.6mn investment into PPR prevention. The programme highlights the critical role that veterinary services play in PPR eradication, thus emphasising the need to strengthen these services in not only the affected countries, but also their neighbours.

During the formal launch event held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Ambassador Josefa Sacko, African Union (AU) Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment (ARBE), reasserted the AU’s commitment to PPR eradication. She also linked the initiative to Agenda 2063, highlighting the programme’s US$599.6mn budget and the necessity for synergised partnerships.

ILRI is helping to shape a sustainable future where livestock systems are both productive and climate resilient. (Image source: ILRI)

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) recently entered a collaboration aimed at reducing methane emissions from livestock

Backed by theBezos Earth Fund and theGlobal Methane Hub, IRLI's partnership with the new US$27.4mn global initiative will identify and scale climate-efficient livestock by providing ample support to research and breeding programmes across North America, South America, Europe, Africa, and Oceania. 

ILRI’s leadership in the Global Methane Genetics Initiative, coupled with its contribution to the Low Methane Forage project highlights its central role in delivering integrated, climate-smart livestock solutions for the Global South. These two complementary efforts have enabled ILRI to tackle enteric methane emissions from both the genetic and nutritional fronts—two of the most promising and scalable strategies for mitigating livestock emissions without compromising productivity.  

The genetics initiative enables African production systems to choose cattle breeds that naturally emit lower emissions, while the Low Methane Forage project identifies and deploys anti-methanogenic, high-yielding tropical forages suited for smallholder and pastoral systems. These projects in combination with each other demonstrate ILRI’s commitment to advancing science-based innovations that are practical, inclusive, and tailored to the realities of livestock keepers in Africa and beyond. By aligning research, capacity building, and deployment with national and regional needs, ILRI is helping to shape a sustainable future where livestock systems are both productive and climate resilient.

The initiative is also part of the Global Methane Genetics initiative that works by screening more than 100,000 animals, collecting methan emissions data and integrating findings into public and private breeding programmes. By making methane efficiency a standard part of livestock breeding, the initiative marks a turning point for climate-smart livestock development in Africa.

"By harnessing the power of genetics and data, we are equipping farmers with the tools to breed more productive, resilient, and lower-emission animals. It is a bold step towards aligning Africa’s livestock systems with global climate goals, while enhancing livelihoods and food security," said ILRI’s director general, Appolinaire Djikeng. "ILRI is proud to lead this effort in close partnership with national and international collaborators including Agriculture Research Council, South Africa, the Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD), Burkina Faso and Universite d’Abomey-Calavi, Benin.”

In the long run, the approach will keep diets, infrastructure and productivity intact, while at the same time contributing to an overall 30% reduction in methane emissons in cattle over the next two decades. This also includes an annual reduction of 1-2%.

Fortena delivers significant benefits to broiler breeders, enhancing both the feeding process and overall farm management. (Image source: Roxell)

Engineered for improved feeding efficiency, the Fortena chain feeding system from Roxell is an advanced automatic feeding solution designed for hens that lay fertile eggs

It features key innovations that set it apart from conventional chain feeders on the market. With a focus on speed, durability, and ease of use, Fortena delivers significant benefits to broiler breeders, enhancing both the feeding process and overall farm management.

Key features of the Fortena chain feeding system include:

1. Good and rapid feed intake 

The patented chain design with large open links takes up 25% less space and minimises friction between the chain and the feed, preserving feed pellet integrity. This enables faster, more efficient consumption by the hens and reduces feed waste. The chain design also minimises wear. By reducing friction, the system runs quietly, which increases the longevity and reduces the need for maintenance. The rounded feed trough allows hens easier access to the feed, reducing feed loss. Thanks to a rounded edge, there is also less contact with the feed trough, reducing feather loss and improving hen welfare, overall health, and productivity.

2. Ease of use and maximum flexibility

The system offers six adjustable volume settings, allowing farmers to tailor feeding regimes according to specific flock needs. This flexibility ensures even feed distribution, optimises bird growth, and reduces waste and feed costs.

Fortena offers flexibility in management for:
- fixed or variable speed of feed distribution
- feeding circuit on winches or on legs, or a combination
- completely automated feeding process with the iQon feed controller
- direct feed supply with day bins or indirectly via hoppers on the circuit

These options help optimise feeding, reduce labor costs, and ensure hens receive proper nutrition.

3. Extra durable, strong and silent

Fortena’s long feed trough sections reduce friction and minimise coupling points, ensuring a quieter system and reducing wear. Polyamide connectors keep feeders aligned, while extra-strong chain links reduce the risk of breakage, ensuring long-lasting performance even in intensive feeding environments. Moreover, Fortena uses lubrication-free corner wheels with ball bearings, reducing maintenance needs and saving poultry producers time and effort.

Durability, efficiency, and flexibility

The Fortena system is a powerful solution for broiler breeder farmers looking to optimise their feeding systems, combining efficiency, durability, and flexibility to enhance feeding and hen health. Its low maintenance and robust design make it a cost-effective investment for farms of all sizes.

For more details, visit Roxell.com or watch our testimonial video on YouTube.