How to Treat Mycoplasmosis in Chicken – The Ultimate Guide?

If you notice that chicken is sneezing, wheezing, or signs of swelling or lethargy in your eyes, you should not ignore it.

It may be fighting a respiratory infection known as mycoplasmosis.

This disease can gently clean the herd, lasting for weeks or months, and often leaves a permanent career.

It may not always be fatal, but it will undermine the health and productivity of the herd. And once you enter your shed it is difficult to completely eliminate.

But don’t panic. Treatment, supportive care, and preventive practices (treatment, preventive practices) can help manage mycoplasmosis and protect herds from future outbreaks.

What is mycoplasmosis in chickens?

Mycoplasmosis is an infectious bacterial infection caused by mycoplasma gallisepticum and mycoplasma synovium.

It mainly affects the respiratory system of chickens, but can also affect joints and reproductive health.

The disease is easily spread by direct contact, airborne droplets, and contaminated surfaces. Even infected chickens can pass it through eggs to the chick, making it difficult to control.

A hen recovering chicken still carries bacteria and can infect others during stress. Therefore, early detection, isolation and good biosecurity are important in disease management.

Signs and symptoms of mycoplasmosis in chickens

Mycoplasmosis in chickens causes respiratory problems, such as coughing, nose drainage and swelling of the eyes. It can also lead to reduced egg production, lethargy, joint expansion, and inadequate growth in young birds.

1. Respiratory symptoms

The most common and prominent sign of mycoplasmosis is respiratory problems. Chickens can start sneezing and coughing, and produce crackling and “snick” sounds while breathing. These sounds become more frequent in the early mornings and in the cooler parts of the day.

You may also observe that mouth drainage (from clear to thick and sticky) produces sounds and rumbling sounds just as the mouth is open. Infected birds may stretch their necks while trying to breathe more easily, especially if their airways are severely inflamed.

2. Swelling eyes and sinuses

One distinctive sign of gallisepticum mycoplasma is swelling around the eyes and sinuses. Chickens can develop puffy eyelids, watery or foamy eyes, and even a crusty buildup that sometimes closes one or both eyes.

Swelling often starts on one side of the face and can spread if left untreated. If it is more advanced, the bird may appear partially blind or confused due to visual impairment caused by eye discharge or inflammation.

3. Reduces egg production

Hens infected with mycoplasmosis may lay eggs or may stop laying them entirely. The quality of the eggs can also be reduced, resulting in thinning shells and irregular shapes.

This decline in production is usually linked to stressing the body when fighting infections. In long-term herds where mycoplasma exists, reducing egg-laying can be a chronic problem unless the herd is stably and carefully managed.

4. Lethargy and weakness

Sick chickens often quarantine themselves, move slowly, appearing to be fuzzy. They may spend more time resting or lying down, and may not be interested in food, water, or regular social activities.

This weakness is due to both the infection and tolls on the bird’s respiratory system, especially when breathing is difficult. In young birds, this can lead to stunting growth and lower weight gain.

Also Read: Why is my chicken lying down limp?

5. Joint pain and la bone (with mycoplasma synovial fluid)

If mycoplasma synovium is involved, you may notice visible signs of swelling hoc joints and la bullets. Affected chickens may become limp, avoid walking, or lift one leg while sitting.

In severe cases, joints may be warm, soft, and filled with liquid, limiting the bird’s mobility. Without treatment, joint infections can lead to permanent deformity and chronic pain.

6. Failure to grow chicks and spires

In young birds, mycoplasmosis can interfere with growth and development. Chicks can’t thrive, they become smaller due to their age and may struggle to compete for food.

Even if symptoms appear mild, these birds can become long-term carriers, spread infections to others, and it is important to identify them and isolate them early in life.

How to treat mycoplasmosis in chickens?

Chickens with mycoplasmosis can be treated and supported through recovery, but it is important to know that this disease cannot be completely cured.

Birds that recover can still carry bacteria, especially during stress, and can infect others later. The focus of treatment is on symptom management, reduced spread and improved quality of life.

Fast action from the veterinarian, proper care and expert guidance will help the chickens recover and keep the remaining flocks safe. Let’s explore the best steps to take.

1. Isolate sick birds immediately

As soon as the chicken shows signs like sneezing, foamy eyes, or breathing, it moves it to another area. Mycoplasmosis spreads rapidly, so separation is essential to protect healthy birds.

Place the birds in a clean, quiet space away from the rest of the flock. Use individual feeders and water containers. To avoid cross-contamination, sick birds always treat it last.

2. Please consult your veterinarian promptly

Don’t try medical care yourself. It is important to contact a veterinarian who can properly diagnose the disease and determine the best course of action.

Poultry veterinarians may suggest:

Clinical tests to confirm the disease (such as PCR swabs and blood samples). Prescription medications tailored to the severity of the case. Guidance on supportive care, environmental management, and when birds can be returned to their flocks.

Veterinary guidance will help you ensure you are not misusing the medication and will help prevent problems with resistance and inappropriate administration.

Also Read: How to treat chicken bumblefoot naturally?

3. Provide strong supportive care

While awaiting or following veterinarian guidance, focus on strengthening the bird’s immune system and alleviating symptoms.

Nutrition and hydration

It provides a high-quality protein-rich diet to help birds recover. If the birds aren’t eating it, try soft foods like warm soaked pellets, mashed boiled eggs, or oatmeal.

Vitamins and electrolytes

Poultry-specific vitamins are added to drinking water, especially vitamin A, vitamin E and selenium rich water. Electrolytes help to maintain hydration and energy levels during recovery.

A comfortable environment

Keep the birds warm, dry and away from drafting. To maintain a clean recovery space, ensure good ventilation without frequent replacement of excessive dust or replacement bedding.

4. Maintain a stress-free environment

Stress can cause flare-ups in infected birds and weaken the immune system of healthy birds. To minimize stress:

Avoid overcrowding. Maintains a stable temperature in the shed. Treat the chicken gently to avoid loud noises and confusion. Do not introduce new birds until the flock is stable and healthy.

5. Completely clean and disinfected

Even after symptoms have improved, it is important to disinfect the environment to avoid reinfection.

Clean feeders, water and perch with chicken-safe disinfectant. Remove and replace dirty bedding. After dealing with sick birds, wash your hands, boots and clothes to prevent spreading.

6. Monitor the entire herd

Even if only the birds show symptoms, other birds could become infected or become involved in a disease. Beware of subtle signs in the rest of the herd – sudden changes in the sneezing of the milled, eyes, or egg laying.

Early detection of others helps prevent larger outbreaks and give them time to act before symptoms worsen.

7. Consider long-term management or culling

Some birds become chronic carriers. So, they may look healthy, but they still carry bacteria and spread. If you are planning to repeat outbreaks or breed chickens, talk to your veterinarian about whether culling is the best long-term decision.

For small backyard flocks not used for breeding, many keepers choose to manage and monitor carrier birds under strict biosecurity.

How does mycoplasmosis spread?

Mycoplasmosis spreads through airdrops when chickens sneeze or cough, and comes into direct contact between infected and healthy birds. Shared feeders, water, and equipment can also carry bacteria.

It can be crossed from infected chickens via eggs to chicks. This is a process known as vertical infection. Even the caretaker can spread it between clothes and shoes without his knowledge.

Also Read: Malek’s Disease in Chicken: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

How to prevent mycoplasmosis in chickens?

Prevention is always easier and more effective than treatment. Here’s how to keep mycoplasma in a shed:

Practice strong biosecurity

Restrict who you enter your shed with to avoid the introduction of infectious diseases. Always wash your hands, change shoes and disinfect tools between herds.

New bird in isolation

Separate new chickens for at least 30 days before mixing with the herd. This helps to catch hidden infections like mycoplasma early.

Control wild birds and rodents

Covers vents and feeders to remove wild birds and pests from your shed. They can carry and spread mycoplasma without any signs.

Clean and ventilate the shed

Regular cleaning and good airflow help prevent dust and bacteria buildup. Avoid damp bedding and overcrowding.

Mycoplasma sauce chick

Buy chicks or hatched eggs from breeders that do not contain certified mycoplasma. This reduces the risk of initiating a flock with infected birds.

Can I eat eggs from chickens with mycoplasmosis?
Yes, infected chicken eggs can be safely eaten as long as the bird is not taking antibiotics. Always observe the withdrawal period before consuming eggs.

How long does the treatment take?
Most antibiotics are given for 5-10 days, but support care must continue until full recovery.

Will my flock not contain mycoplasma again?
Unless all carriers are removed, it probably won’t. Even birds with no symptoms can house bacteria and reinfect other birds during stress.

Also Read: What Causes and How to Prevent It?

Conclusion

Treatment of mycoplasmosis in chickens is not a one-off modification. It is a process that involves treatment, supportive care, and long-term herd management.

By recognizing symptoms early, isolating affected birds and using appropriate antibiotics, chickens can recover and avoid further spread.

But remember: prevention is always better than treatment. If you can eliminate mycoplasma from your flock through isolation, biosecurity and careful sourcing, chickens will be far better at staying healthy, productive and happy.