EXPLORING THE FREQUENCY OF MYCOPLASMA GALLISEPTICUM IN RESIDENT VERSUS MIGRATING AVIAN INDIVIDUALS**

Authors

Hasten J. Veal*, University of North Georgia, Oakwood, GA 30566Follow
Catherine M. Cook*, University of North Georgia, Oakwood, GA 30597Follow
Gabriel J. Rodriguez*, University of North Georgia, Oakwood, GA 305966Follow
Linda B. Purvis, University of North Georgia, Dahlonega, GA 30597Follow
Dawn E.W. Drumtra, University of North Georgia, Oakwood, GA 30566Follow

Abstract

Game birds are notably susceptible to Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) disease. However, MG can also be found in other wild bird species, even though there is rarely any sign of infection. The disease can be contracted through ingesting contaminated food and water sources or through contact with other individuals. We hypothesize that migrant birds are more likely to test positive for MG than residents, because there is a greater chance of exposure to the disease while traveling. Tissue samples were collected from 291 birds that died between 2013–2020 that died due to skyscraper collisions in Atlanta between 2013-2020. Atlanta is located along a North American flyway, so there are many opportunities for birds of different migratory statuses to interact. Respiratory organs were targeted for the tissue collection because MG is predominantly a respiratory disease. The samples were preserved using FTA cards, which preserve organic material at room temperatures. The gene, MCG2, was amplified, and gel electrophoresis was used to detect the presence of MG. We classified sample birds into four migratory categories: resident, through migrants, over-wintering migrants, and breeding migrants. We had 10 birds that tested positive for MG, 9 of which were migratory species. A chi-test indicated that migratory status did not correlate with MG infection for our birds. We found ~4% infection rate for any bird which is the normal background infection rate for this disease. Otherwise, our analyses merely show that the number of birds positive for MG reflected the number of birds we sampled within each migratory category. Likely the highly mobile nature of birds potentially equalizes any differences in MG infection that might initially exist between migration groups. For now, our data indicate a low level of MG infection in wild birds that migrate through the Atlanta area, regardless of their migratory status.

Recommended Citation

Veal*, Hasten J.; Cook*, Catherine M.; Rodriguez*, Gabriel J.; Purvis, Linda B.; and Drumtra, Dawn E.W. (2024) "EXPLORING THE FREQUENCY OF MYCOPLASMA GALLISEPTICUM IN RESIDENT VERSUS MIGRATING AVIAN INDIVIDUALS**," Georgia Journal of Science, Vol. 82, No. 1, Article 44.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.gaacademy.org/gjs/vol82/iss1/44