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Cause:
Mycoplasmosis is caused by the organism Mycoplasma. There are currently three species of this organism.

Symptoms:
Mycoplasmosis is one of the most common respiratory infections found in pigeons. It is often confused with ornithosis. It causes moderate respiratory disease in pigeons and usually starts as a mild inflammation in the eyes and nose. A clear thread of slime often accumulates in the back of the throat. It may progress to severe lung disease and death or may stay as a mild disease suppressing racing performance. It is often characterised by sneezing, shaking the head and scratching of the nostrils. It is transmitted via the eggs and may cause early death in babies.

Treatment:
Mycoplasmosis is becoming more difficult to treat due to resistance developing. Treatment must be continued for at least 5 to 7 days. Four to six weekly preventative treatment is advised. It is advised to alternate products to prevent resistance developing. Breeding pigeons should be well treated before the season and babies should be treated preventatively until the moult starts.
Tylosin, Spiramycin, Lincomycin, Doxycycline, Chlor-Tetracycline and many other products are used alone or in combination to treat Mycoplasmosis.