Mycoplasmosis infection with secondary heterophilic andnecrotizing blepharoconjunctivitis and sinusitis in a chicken

Abstract

History: 
A 3-months-old male Belgian Bearded d’Uccle chicken was presented together with two other juvenile chickens for progressive ocular and respiratory disease. The birds had been previously treated with oxytetracycline and topical ophthalmic antibiotics, including Tricin® ointment and chloramphenicol eye drops, without clinical improvement. Clinical signs progressively worsened. At presentation, all birds exhibited ocular lesions. The Belgian d’Uccle chick showed bilateral periocular distension and deformation, with complete obscuration of the left eye. Respiratory effort was increased, with audible crackles consistent with air sac involvement. The oral cavity was malodorous. Feces were light brown and loose, and the bird was markedly emaciated. Two of the affected chickens, including the Belgian d’Uccle chick, were bred on the owner’s property from a newly introduced rooster. The third bird was an unrelated Showgirl cockerel purchased as a day-old chick that subsequently developed similar clinical signs.