The disease is most commonly seen in chickens, and transmission occurs both vertically and horizontally.

Common clinical signs include lameness, a stiff gait, and abnormal curvature of the limbs.

A preliminary diagnosis can be made based on history, clinical exam, and postmortem signs.

Bacterial culture, immunofluorescence, PCR, ELISA, or slide agglutination tests (SAT) can be used to make a more definitive diagnosis.

Mycoplasma synoviae is treated with antibiotics, but resistance to some types is reported.