Detection of M. agalactiae Infection in Small Ruminants in Eastern of Türkiye

Objective: In this study, it was aimed to investigate the presence of Mycoplasma (M.) agalactiae in small ruminants with clinical symptoms such as milk withdrawal, milk reduction, and discoloration by molecular techniques in the Bitlis region. Materials and Methods: For this purpose, 120 samples were collected from milk, blood, eye fluid, ear fluid, and joint fluid from animals, and the clinical symptoms were shown in the Bitlis Center and Districts. DNA isolation of the collected samples was performed according to commercial kit protocols. Then, a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) step was performed with primer pairs (uvrC) synthesized specifically for M. agalactia. Results: For the uvrC gene region, 36.55% (34/93) of the milk samples and 28.30% of the whole samples were positive. It was determined that all of the positive samples were from goat samples. As a result, the positivity rate determined by the molecular method in this study was higher than the classical methods (isolation, identification). This study is the first study investigating the presence of M. agalactia in the Bitlis region. Conclusion: Further studies are needed to determine the prevalence of the agent in the region. In addition, further studies are required to control and eradicate the circulating agent in the area.