Which Mycoplasma species does the National Poultry Improvement Plan seek to eliminate from breeder flocks?

• A. Mycoplasma gallisepticum, synoviae, meleagridis
• B. Mycoplasma gallisepticum, synoviae, pullorum
• C. Mycoplasma meleagridis, synoviae, gallinarum
• D. Mycoplasma gallisepticum, pulmonis, meleagridis

Answer: (A)

The plan focuses on keeping breeder flocks free of the major avian Mycoplasma pathogens that spread to offspring. The species targeted are Mycoplasma gallisepticum, Mycoplasma synoviae, and Mycoplasma meleagridis. These three are the principal Mycoplasma threats in poultry and are capable of vertical transmission from breeders to chicks, which is why eliminating them from breeder stock helps prevent hatchery infections and disease in successive flocks. The other options include pathogens not targeted by this plan (such as Salmonella species or Mycoplasma not commonly emphasized in NPIP breeder programs), so they’re not the correct set.