title: Modelling of control options for an outbreak of Mycoplasma gallisepticum in egg production: a decision support tool.
abstract: Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) is a bacterium that causes respiratory disease in chickens, leading to reduced egg production. A dynamic simulation model was developed that can be used to assess the costs and benefits of control using antimicrobials or vaccination in caged or free range systems. The intended users are veterinarians and egg producers. A user interface is provided for input of flock specific parameters. The economic consequence of an MG outbreak is expressed as a reduction in expected egg output. The model predicts that either vaccination or microbial treatment can approximately halve potential losses from MG in some circumstances. Sensitivity analysis is used to test assumptions about infection rate and timing of an outbreak. Feedback from veterinarians points to the value of the model as a discussion tool with producers.
authors.affiliation: School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, University of Reading, PO Box 237, Reading RG6 6AR, UK. Electronic address: r.m.bennett@reading.ac.uk.
authors.forename: R M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Bennett
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: McClement
authors.forename: I D
authors.initials: ID
authors.lastname: McFarlane
authors.forename: C D
authors.initials: CD
authors.lastname: Parker
mesh_terms: D000822:Animal Husbandry / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001428:Bacterial Vaccines / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002645:Chickens; D003661:Decision Support Techniques; D004196:Disease Outbreaks / Q000662:veterinary*; D008954:Models, Biological; D009175:Mycoplasma Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary*; D045686:Mycoplasma gallisepticum; D010063:Ovum / Q000382:microbiology; D011201:Poultry Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control*
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D001428:Bacterial Vaccines
keywords: Caged and free range laying hens; Decision support; Disease modelling; Egg production; Mycoplasma gallisepticum