Abstract

Background:
Avian mycoplasmosis is a significant disease in animal health as it affects various bird species. Although it has been widely studied in poultry, research on wild species such as parrots and macaws in Colombia is limited. In particular, there is a lack of molecular and serological evidence regarding the presence of Mycoplasma gallisepticum and Mycoplasma synoviae in birds rescued from illegal trafficking.

Aim:
To establish the serological and molecular positivity to Mycoplasma gallisepticum and Mycoplasma synoviae in parrots and macaws housed in Wildlife Care and Assessment Centers (CAVs, for their acronym in Spanish) in three regions of Colombia and to identify potential risk factors associated with the infection.

Methods:
Eighty-eight plasma samples and 65 oropharyngeal swabs from parrots (Amazona spp.) and macaws (Ara spp.) from the CAVs of Barbosa (Antioquia), Valledupar (Cesar), and Palmira (Valle del Cauca) were analyzed. The samples were subjected to ELISA for antibody detection and qPCR for molecular detection of the pathogens. Data on clinical history and region of origin were collected, and 2x2 contingency tables were used to evaluate the association between Mycoplasma sp. infection and the analyzed variables. Further, logistic regression was also performed to assess the effect of Mycoplasma sp. infection and other variables on showing clinical signs.

Results:
Seropositivities of 10.2% and 2.3% were obtained for Mycoplasma gallisepticum and Mycoplasma synoviae, respectively, with no molecular DNA detection for either pathogen. No statistically significant associations (p500 g were at higher risk (p = 0.028 and p = 0.041, respectively), while birds from Valle del Cauca were at lower risk compared to those from Antioquia (p = 0.004).

Conclusion:
This is the first report of seropositivity to Mycoplasma gallisepticum and Mycoplasma synoviae in psittacines from Colombia. Seropositivity without the presence of DNA suggests previous exposure to the pathogens without active infection. Weight and region influenced the onset of clinical signs, but there was no direct association with Mycoplasma sp. infection.

Key words: Avian mycoplasmosis; ELISA; qPCR; Psittacidae; Wild birds.