Seroprevalence of Salmonella and Mycoplasma gallisepticum infection in chickens in Rajshahi and surrounding districts of Bangladesh

A serological survey on the prevalence of antibodies against Salmonella and Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) was carried out in layer chickens in Rajshahi and surrounding districts of Bangladesh. A total of 605 sera samples were examined by rapid plate agglutination (RPA) test using commercial Salmonella and MG antigens to determine the Salmonella and MG specific antibodies. Out of 605 sera samples 14.05% had single Salmonella, 45.12% had single MG and 11.24% had their concurrent infection. Prevalence of Salmonella was recorded the highest (37.60%) in adult compared to young (16.66%). On the contrary, MG and their concurrent infections were recorded the highest (71.66% and 13.33%) in young compared to adult (50.40% and 10.40%). The prevalence of Salmonella, MG and their concurrent infections were recorded the highest (34.28%, 68.57% and 17.14%) in large flocks compared to small flocks (21.25%, 50% and 8.75%). The prevalence of Salmonella infection was the highest (30.37%) in summer followed by winter (23.69%), rainy (25%) and autumn (23.33%). The prevalence of MG infection was the highest (61.58%) in winter followed by autumn (56.88%), rainy (55%) and summer (49.63%). Whereas, their concurrent infection was the highest (12.11%) in winter followed by summer (11.85%), rainy (10.83%) and autumn (10%).