Transmissibility of Live Mycoplasma gallisepticum Vaccine Strains ts-11 and 6/85 from Vaccinated Layer Pullets to Sentinel Poultry

Abstract

In separate trials, layer pullets were vaccinated with Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) strain 6/85 or strain ts-11 commercially produced live vaccines. For a 15-wk postvaccination (PV) period, vaccinates were commingled with unvaccinated pullets and were in indirect contact with sentinel groups of pullets, broiler breeders, turkey breeders, or meat turkeys in adjoining pens. Infectivity and transmissibility of vaccine strains were determined by tracheal culture and serology at 1 wk followed by 3-wk intervals PV. Strain 6/85 was recovered from 0%-20% of vaccinates, but not from commingled pullets or sentinel birds. Strain ts-11 was recovered from 60%-90% of vaccinates and 0%-40% of commingled pullets but not from any of the sentinel birds. No birds in the 6/85 vaccine trial tested positive for MG antibodies by serology. MG enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays detected positive responses in ts-11 vaccinates (range = 10%-70%) at 42, 63, 84, and 105 days PV, and commingled pullets (10%) at 84 and 105 days PV. MG serum plate agglutination tests detected positive responses in 90% and 20% of ts-11 vaccinates at 42 and 105 days PV, respectively, and commingled pullets (10%) at day 42 PV. Clinical signs, morbidity, or mortality suggestive of pathogenic MG infection were not observed in any bird during either trial, and no gross lesions were observed at necropsy. Random amplified polymorphic DNA analysis was capable of distinguishing each of the vaccinal strains 6/85 and ts-11 from each other by their distinct DNA banding patterns.