Efficacy of Tilmicosin (TILMOTIL) and Apramycin (TARGET AP) in Treating Mycoplasmosis in Broiler Poultry
Introduction
Mycoplasmosis is one of the most prevalent and costly diseases affecting the poultry industry. The presence of Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) predisposes birds to secondary infections, such as Escherichia coli, leading to increased mortality rates and sub-optimal performance in broiler chickens. This article examines the efficacy of the antimycoplasmal drugs Tilmicosin, marketed as TILMOTIL, and Apramycin, under the product name TARGET AP, both individually and in combination, in managing MG and E. coli infections in broilers.
Study Overview
This study was conducted to assess the impact of TILMOTIL and TARGET AP, alone and in combination, on broilers experimentally infected with local field isolates of MG and MG in conjunction with E. coli, representing chronic respiratory disease (CRD) and complicated chronic respiratory disease (CCRD) respectively. The objective was to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and potential synergistic effects of these drugs.
Key Findings
- Combination Therapy: The study revealed that chickens treated with both TILMOTIL and TARGET AP exhibited additive or synergistic interactions. This combined therapy was found to be safe and demonstrated enhanced efficacy in managing infections.
- Therapeutic Regimen: The recommended therapeutic doses—TILMOTIL at 1 ml/L and TARGET AP at 0.5 gm/L—administered for five successive days following the appearance of clinical signs, significantly improved clinical symptoms. This regimen resulted in a notable increase in survival rates, a reduction in lesion severity, and effective termination of the infection, attributable to the mycoplasmacidal properties of both drugs.
- Superior Activity: The combined use of TILMOTIL and TARGET AP showcased superior efficacy in treating CRD and CCRD in broilers compared to the use of either drug alone. The combination therapy effectively reduced the severity of lesions, decreased mortality rates, lowered E. coli counts, and improved the general activity and health of the birds.
- Alternative Treatment Strategy: The findings suggest that the combination therapy of TILMOTIL and TARGET AP provides a stable and reliable treatment option for CCRD. This strategy offers better therapeutic outcomes compared to individual drug use and can be integrated into poultry management programs to enhance overall flock health and productivity.
- Comparative Efficacy: Among the treated groups, those receiving the combined therapy demonstrated the best results, while the group treated with TILMOTIL alone showed comparatively less improvement, particularly in managing E. coli infections. This is attributed to the restricted efficacy of TILMOTIL against E. coli, highlighting the importance of the combination approach.
Conclusion
The combined use of TILMOTIL and TARGET AP represents a robust and effective therapeutic strategy for managing mycoplasmosis in broiler poultry. This combination therapy addresses both MG and secondary E. coli infections, leading to improved health outcomes, enhanced performance, and better economic returns for poultry producers. Adherence to the recommended dosages and treatment duration is crucial for maximizing the benefits of this combination therapy while ensuring food safety and regulatory compliance.
