Mycoplasma infection of geese. II. Studies on pathogenicity of mycoplasmas in goslings and goose and chicken embryos.

Of various mycoplasma strains of goose original, axanthum strains (609 and 612) caused the death both of goose and chicken embryos, A. laid-lawii strain (606) killed only goose embryos, whereas M. gallinarum (598) failed to kill either. Infection of 3-day-old goslings with these mycoplasmas resulted in no mortality but lesions were produced with A. axanthum in 9 of 10 birds. Less severe lesions were seen in fewer birds infected with other strains. Dual infection of 3-day-old goslings, with maternal antibody to goose parvovirus, with M. gallinarum (598) or A. axanthum (612) and a virulent parvovirus resulted in some death and all birds showed lesions.