MS-associated EAA has a direct influence on income and biosecurity expenses because it increases cracked and degraded eggs, increases labour costs for sorting and cleanup and decreases hatchability through higher embryonic mortality when shell integrity is compromised. EAA manifests as irregularities at the egg’s apex, including thinning, increased translucency and susceptibility to cracks. These defects lead to increased egg breakage and spoilage, directly leading to degrading egg quality and marketability.

Etiology and Transmission:
Mycoplasma synoviae, belongs to the Mycoplasmataceae family and is fastidious about its culture conditions as it requires serum and NAD on modified Frey media. The pathogenicity of strains varies due to immune evasion, adhesins, sialidase activity, nitric oxide generation and antigenic diversity.

Fig. 1. Transmission of M. Synoviae
The host range of the MS infection includes chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, guinea fowl, pheasants, quail and psittacines. Transmission occurs via both vertical and horizontal route. Vertical transmission takes place through transovarian infection, leading to early chick exposure, while horizontal transmission occurs via aerosol spread, respiratory secretions, fomites and human activity. Once introduced, the infection tends to persist, as infected flocks become lifelong carriers. Multi-age layer systems further support its persistence and contribute to episodic clinical outbreaks.

Pathogenesis:
M. synoviae primarily enters the host through the respiratory tract, with the upper respiratory mucosa serving as the initial site of colonization. With the help of specialized surface proteins and adhesions the organism attaches to the epithelial cells which help it to evade mucociliary clearance. From the respiratory tract, it can spread locally, causing tracheitis, airsacculitis and respiratory distress. In some birds, the pathogen disseminates via bacteraemia, reaching synovial membranes and joints, where it induces inflammation. This leads to synovitis, characterized by swelling, pain and lameness, often accompanied by exudation of yellowish synovial fluid. The organism may also localize in the tendon sheaths and bursae, producing tenosynovitis. Co-infections with other respiratory pathogens (e.g., E. coli, NDV and IBV) exacerbate disease severity. Chronic infections are common and affected birds may become carriers, serving as reservoirs for flock-to-flock transmission.

Clinical Signs:
Mycoplasma synoviae most commonly causes subclinical upper respiratory infections or infectious synovitis and tenosynovitis, while in layers it is also associated with eggshell apex abnormality (EAA) syndrome, characterized by thin, rough, translucent shell apices and intermittent production loss (Feberwee et al., 2009). The clinical expression of the disease is often expressed by stress and co-infections with pathogens such as infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), Newcastle disease virus (NDV) and Escherichia coli (Lockaby et al., 1998).

Fig.2. Dull, depressed hen, Inflammation of foot pad, hock joint and cavity filled with exudates
Affected birds may show mild respiratory involvement, including slight tracheal rales and sinusitis which are more evident under poor air quality or concurrent respiratory infections. The musculoskeletal form is marked by lameness, reluctance to walk, swelling of the hock joint, wing joints and footpads with exudative tenosynovitis of tendon sheaths and sternal bursitis. In systemic or severe cases, signs include depression, inappetence, ruffled feathers, weight loss and pale to cyanotic head parts, with occasional vasculitis and keel bursitis. Morbidity typically ranges from low to moderate, while mortality is generally low but may increase in the presence of secondary bacterial infections, wet litter, cold stress and immunosuppression.

Post Mortem Lesions:
– Respiratory tract:
– Mild to moderate airsacculitis with thickening, opacity and presence of turbid or caseous exudate.
– Mucoid tracheitis and sinusitis (especially when complicated by co-infections).
– Joints and musculoskeletal system:
– Synovitis: Swollen joints (particularly hock, wing and foot joints) with accumulation of yellow to serofibrinous exudate.
– Tenosynovitis: Inflamed tendon sheaths filled with exudate.
– Sternal bursitis (breast blisters) with fibrinous to caseous material.
– Systemic involvement:
– Generalized fibrinous polyserositis in some cases, especially with secondary E. coli infection.
– Emaciation and poor body condition due to chronic disease.
– Eggshell apex abnormality (in layers):
No specific gross lesion in reproductive tract, but post-mortem examination may reveal rough, thin and translucent apices of eggshells in affected flocks.

– Diagnosis:
Diagnosis of MS relies on combination of clinical observation, serology, microbiology and molecular techniques. Observation of respiratory signs such as sneezing, coughing and nasal discharge, along with joint or tendon swelling indicative of synovitis or tenosynovitis and specially in layers, eggshell apex abnormalities like thin, rough or translucent apexes can be observed.
However, clinical signs alone are not definitive, as they can overlap with other infections like NDV, IBV or E. coli.

Serological tests, including ELISA, rapid plate agglutination (RPA) and hemagglutination inhibition (HI), are useful for flock-level monitoring, though maternal antibodies and past exposure can complicate interpretation. Microbiological isolation from choanal or tracheal swabs and synovial fluid using specialized media allows definitive identification of MS, but the process is slow and prone to contamination. Molecular methods such as PCR and real-time PCR offer rapid, sensitive and specific detection of MS DNA, even at low bacterial loads. For accurate diagnosis, a combination of clinical assessment, serology and molecular confirmation is recommended, especially in flocks showing respiratory disease, joint swelling, or eggshell defects.

Treatment
Along with careful use of antibiotics, proper management practices and vaccination strategies are very important in Mycoplasma synoviae management. Treatment typically relies on antimicrobials such as tylosin, tiamulin, doxycycline or enrofloxacin, which can reduce bacterial load and clinical signs, but complete eradication is difficult due to intracellular persistence. Widespread and indiscriminate antibiotic use has led to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in MS strains because of these challenges, thus, vaccination plays a central role in flock protection, lower bacterial shedding and prevent eggshell apex abnormalities in layers.

Prevention and Control:
Prevention focuses on biosecurity measures, including sourcing MS-free breeders, controlling movement of personnel and equipment and minimizing stressors that predispose birds to infection. Integrated control combining vaccination, strict biosecurity, monitoring via serology or PCR and responsible antimicrobial use is essential to minimize economic losses, maintain flock health and reduce the risk of AMR development. Thus vaccination, combined with good biosecurity and management practices can control MS spread, minimizing antibiotic reliance and maintaining flock productivity.

Stallen South Asia Pvt Ltd is offering a unique inactivated vaccine MS-VAC particularly against Mycoplasma synoviae.
Key Features of MS-VAC:
– The Only Vaccine Made from highly immunogenic strains of Mycoplasma synoviae
– High titre (1010 CFU)
– Oil adjuvant
– High immunogenicity.
– High safety, effective protection and field compatibility

Duration of immunity in MS-VAC

Fig. 5 Duration of immunity in MS-VAC (3 weeks after challenging with virulent MS)
MS-VAC is a vaccine produced from highly immunogenic strains of Mycoplasma synoviae. The culture is inactivated and emulsified in light mineral oil, to ensure a high degree of protection after first vaccination, however the immunity is strongest and long lasting after second inoculation.
– Clinical observation of eggs laid, in vaccinated and non vaccinated commercial hens, after infection by field MS.

Field efficacy of MS-VAC against eggshell apex abnormalities (EAA):

A significantly lower (p=0,000) percentage of EAA affected eggs was observed in group 1 than in groups 2 and 3 (statistically significant difference for p<0.001).
Hence, MS-VAC proved to be effective in protecting commercial hens from EAA, significantly more than the competitiors, in farms infected with MS.

References are available on request

By: Dr. Priyanka Kamble, Senior Marketing Manager Huvepharma

Introduction

Newcastle Disease (ND), caused by Avian Paramyxovirus Type-1 (APMV-1), remains one of the most devastating viral infections affecting the poultry industry in India. With high mortality rates, reduced egg production, and severe economic losses, ND poses a constant threat to both small-scale poultry farmers and large commercial producers. Despite advancements in vaccination and biosecurity, the disease continues to challenge the sustainability of India’s poultry sector, which contributes significantly to the nation’s agricultural GDP.

Newcastle Disease: A Persistent Menace

Newcastle Disease is highly contagious, affecting chickens, turkeys, and other avian species. The virus spreads through direct contact, contaminated feed, water, equipment, and even airborne transmission. Clinical signs vary depending on the strain but commonly include:

• Respiratory distress (gasping, coughing, nasal discharge)
• Nervous signs (twisting of the neck, paralysis, tremors)
• Greenish diarrhoea
• Sudden drop in egg production (thin-shelled or shell-less eggs)
• High mortality (up to 100% in unvaccinated flocks)

In India, velogenic strains (highly virulent) are predominant, causing severe outbreaks that cripple poultry operations. (APMV-1 Velogenic NDV is responsible for Velogenic Viscerotropic ND (VVND) outbreaks in India).

Economic Impact on the Indian Poultry Industry

India is the third-largest egg producer and fifth-largest poultry meat producer globally, The poultry sector in India, valued at more than USD 28 billion in 2021-22, has been a vital component of the country’s agriculture and food processing industry. Newcastle Disease disrupts this growth through:

1. Direct Losses Due to Mortality & Culling

• Unvaccinated or poorly managed flocks face mortality rates of 80-100%, leading to massive financial losses.
• Government-mandated culling during outbreaks further exacerbates losses.

2. Reduced Egg & Meat Production

• Layers: A single ND outbreak can cause a 20–50% drop in egg productionand reduce egg quality, with recovery taking weeks.

• Broilers: Cause severe mortality. Infected birds suffer stunted growth, leading to lower market weights and downgrading at processing plants.

3. Increased Vaccination & Treatment Costs

• Farmers must invest in regular vaccination schedules (Live & Inactivated ND vaccines), adding to operational costs.
• Secondary bacterial infections (E. coli, Mycoplasma) increase antibiotic usage, raising concerns over antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

4. Trade Restrictions & Market Losses

• ND outbreaks lead to quarantine zones, restricting movement of poultry and products.
• Export markets (Middle East, Southeast Asia) impose bans on Indian poultry products during outbreaks, causing revenue losses.

5. Impact on Small & Marginal Farmers

• Over 70% of Indian poultry farmers are small-scale, lacking resources for strict biosecurity.
• A single ND outbreak can bankrupt small farmers, pushing them out of the industry.

Strategies to Combat Newcastle Disease

1. Strict Vaccination Protocols
2. Enhanced Biosecurity Measures

• Farm-level hygiene: Disinfection of footwear, vehicles, equipment.
• Restricted access: Prevent contact with wild birds & other farms.
• All-in-all-out systems: Reduce viral persistence in multi-age flocks.

3. Early Detection & Rapid Response

• Regular serological monitoring (HI tests for antibody titers).
• Rapid reporting of suspected cases to Veterinarians.

4. Proactive Measures for ND Outbreak Prevention

• Compulsory ND vaccination programs in high-risk zones.
• Farmer awareness campaigns on biosecurity best practices.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

Newcastle Disease is not just a health issue—it’s an economic catastrophe for India’s poultry industry. With the sector growing at 8-10% annually, unchecked ND outbreaks disrupt livelihoods and threaten national food security.

The solution lies in:
 Proactive vaccination
 Robust biosecurity
 Farmer education
 Stronger policy enforcement

As veterinarians, researchers, and industry leaders, we must unite to safeguard Indian poultry from Newcastle Disease—ensuring sustainability for farmers and safe, affordable protein for millions.

INFAH National Seminar 2025-Focuses on Strengthening Animal Health through Public-Private Partnerships

The Indian Federation of Animal Health Companies (INFAH) hosted its National Seminar 2025 at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, under the theme “Strengthening Animal Health and its Economics through Public-Private Partnership for Viksit Bharat” on March 20, 2025.

In the day-long event, over 100 delegates, including scientists, academicians, policymakers, regulators, and industry leaders, participated to deliberate on advancing veterinary health through Public Private Partnerships.

INAUGURAL SESSION
– Dr. Anup Kalra, Joint Secretary, INFAH, opened the session by highlighting the evolution of INFAH as a pivotal bridge between government, academia, and industry, and emphasized that collaborative models are crucial to realizing India’s Viksit Bharat goals.

– Dr. Shirish Nigam, President, INFAH, delivered the welcome address, reiterating that while business can drive progress 364 days a year, one day must be dedicated to industry introspection and united advocacy. He outlined INFAH’s commitment to policy reforms and presented key demands to the Ministry for regulatory clarity, faster product approvals, and technology enablement. He also acknowledged the support from current management committee comprising of Dr. Aman Syed (Vice President), Dr. Anup Kalra (Joint Secretary), Dr. Manoj Sood (Treasurer) as well as Executive members Dr. Vijay Makhija, Mr. Vijay Teng, Mr. Satish Pasrija, Dr. Arun Atrey, Mr. Gautam Chatterjee, Ms. Ashwini Deshpande, Dr. Vinayak Surve & Mr. Sushanta Dey.

KEYNOTE ADDRESSES
– Prof. Dr. S. P. Singh Baghel, Hon’ble Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, served as the Chief Guest. He expressed his admiration for INFAH’s proactive role and emphasized that while laboratories are critical, outcomes must reach quickly, and that farmers and animals truly benefit. He called PPP models the “most successful approach” for rural transformation. Hon’ble minister also mentioned that animal husbandry is not a parallel economy; it should be considered a primary sector. The government aims to double farmers’ income, and livestock farming is crucial in achieving this goal.
– Ms. Alka Upadhyaya, IAS, Secretary, DAHD, delivered the Thematic Address, emphasizing a One Health approach and public-private convergence to tackle antimicrobial resistance (AMR), zoonotic threats, and animal welfare challenges. She shared how India is now 100% self-reliant in vaccine production for livestock sector. She even demonstrated recent studies which highlight the importance of deworming before vaccination to improve animal health.
She also highlighted the issue of mastitis and called for a nationwide program to address mastitis awareness and prevention. Madam Secretary acknowledged the critical role INFAH plays in shaping policies for the livestock sector and called for increased engagement between policymakers and industry stakeholders before formulating regulations.

– Dr. Abhijit Mitra, Animal Husbandry Commissioner, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, highlighted the issue of Anti-Microbial Resistance (AMR) and shared how INFAH is helping by providing the data on the sale of Antimicrobials in animal health. He also reiterated the importance of government, industry, and research institutions working together to achieve self-reliance in veterinary medicine and improve animal health standards.

– Shri Abhay Mahajan, KVK, DRI, Chitrakoot, emphasized holistic rural development through ethnoveterinary practices, traditional knowledge, and youth empowerment. He mentioned the aim should be to expand the Chitrakoot model beyond MP & UP to other regions of the country.

– Dr. Raghavendra Bhatta, DDG (Animal Science), ICAR emphasized on the livestock sector’s contribution to the economy and India’s goal to be PPR and rabies-free by 2030. He encouraged the industry to align with global export standards and leverage the growing market for preventive animal health solutions. He encouraged all participants to shift mindset from “PPP” to “Partnership for Prosperity”.

– Dr. Gauri Shankar, Deputy Drugs Controller, CDSCO, shared CDSCO’s progress with digital platforms like Sugam and underscored the need for mutual trust and accountability in regulatory pathways to foster innovation.

– Dr. Hirofumi Kugita, Representative for Asia-Pacific, World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), through his message highlighted international collaboration for disease surveillance and control. He emphasized aligning India’s veterinary health standards with global guidelines to improve trade access and animal welfare outcomes.

TECHNICAL SESSION HIGHLIGHTS
Session 1: Topic of “Public-Private Partnerships in Animal Health & Nutrition”
– Chairperson: Dr. Raghavendra Bhatta, DDG (Animal Science), ICAR
– Dr. P. K. Shukla, President, Indian Poultry Science Association,
– Dr. Praveen Malik, CEO, Agrinnovate India Ltd.
Keynotes of the Session:
– Identified key roadblocks in testing protocols and regulatory timelines and called poultry India’s “protein factory” and outlined innovations in feed efficiency, circular economy practices, and waste minimization to combat malnutrition. Advocated for better technology transfer, nutrition security, and disease surveillance.

Session 2: Topic of “Regulatory Framework for Animal Health Drugs & Biologicals”
– Chairperson: Dr. Praveen Malik, CEO, Agrinnovate India Ltd
– Dr. Arun Atrey, Managing Committee, INFAH
– Dr. Gauri Shankar, Deputy Drug Controller, CDSCO
-Dr. M. Kalaivani, Senior Scientific Officer, Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission
– Dr. Nitin Bhatia, Member of INFAH Subcommittee
– Dr. D.J. Kalita, Member of INFAH Subcommittee

Key notes of the session:
– Discussed IPC’s initiative to draft vaccine monographs and supported waivers based on global benchmarking.
– The session stressed that a unified, efficient framework will de-risk innovation and fast-track animal health solutions.

Session 3: Topic of “Imports & Exports of Veterinary Products”
– Chairperson: Dr. Indrajeet Singh, Vice Chancellor, Bihar Veterinary University
– Dr. Manoj Sood, Treasurer, INFAH
– Dr. Gagan Garg, Deputy Commissioner (Trade), DAHD
– Dr. Vijay Makhija. Managing Committee, INFAH
– Dr. Shyam Vane, Member of INFAH Subcommittee

Key notes of the session:
– Outlined regulatory inconsistencies and called for standardized classifications of feed additives, medical devices, and diagnostics as well as single window clearance.
– Emphasized the need for policy predictability, indigenous manufacturing, and incentives for global veterinary product exports.

Session 4: Topic of “Ayurveda & its Role in Animal Health”
– Dr. Mohan ji Saxena, shared his wisdom and thoughts on health & ayurveda. He highlighted how our economy is going to be affected due to animal health. He appealed everyone to think of not just being healthy but Health Index. He also encouraged for scientific validation of Ayurveda for mainstream application in animal care and emphasized the importance of hygiene, immunity and nutrition in animal care.

Session 5: Topic of “Navigating the Intellectual Property & Trade Regime”
– Dr. Manisha Shridhar, Regional Advisor (WHO SEARO), delivered a compelling address tracing the history of IP—from the Paris and Berne Conventions to TRIPS. She emphasized India’s opportunity to lead global innovation by bridging traditional knowledge with patent systems, and the value of technology transfer via models like the Bayh-Dole.

Way Forward
A comprehensive report compiling all session discussions and outcomes will be submitted to the Hon’ble Minister and DAHD. This will serve as a roadmap for targeted policy actions and collaborative innovations in animal health.