In vitro sensitivity of New Zealand strains of Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae to some antibiotics

Abstract

Extract

Carmichael et al. (1972) concluded that Mycoplasmal ovipneumoniae plays a role in the development of proliferative interstitial pneumonia in sheep in Australia. The apparent similarity of the Australian disease to the chronic pneumonia which is widespread in New Zealand sheep prompted the investigations by Alley et al. (1975) which showed M. ovipneumoniae is prevalent in the sheep population and is present in a relatively high concentration in the lungs of affected animals. Because of the possible economic significance of the disease, a survey of the sensitivities of 40 isolates of M. ovipneumoniae to antibiotics; was undertaken and the results are reported here. This investigation is confined to in vitro studies and was undertaken to obtain data which may be relevant when choosing antibiotics to test in any subsequent in vivo study.