I have three hens and a roo, four years old, gold sex links. I have six Dorkings, about a year and a half old. The Dorkings were dying young and quickly. I sent the latest one out for necropsy, preliminary report came back today: Avian Leukosis.
I understand it's a virus, so no vaccine available. I did a search on BYC and it seems that it's mainly passed into the egg by an infected hen. so where is this likely to have come from? My birds do not free range. A year and a half before the Dorkings went into that coop, I had Freedom Rangers in there. Would the virus survive that long with no chickens in the coop? Or did it more likely come with the Dorkings? Might the virus have come with the four year old flock? Should I notify the hatchery I got any of these birds from? Will it eventually kill all my birds? Do I need to destroy all the birds I have here now? Is it safe to eat the eggs (we've been eating them all along with no problems). How do I disinfect the runs? How about the coops? What about the chicken poop we've put in the garden as compost? Will that re infect future birds?
Now the other really big question: I have a new batch of Dorkings due this coming week, from a different hatchery than any other of my birds are from (McMurray's). Their brooder box is on the enclosed back porch...can I keep them safe by using basic infection control measures ( clean clothes/shoes/hands, etc.) ? Do I need to buiild a new coop for them, or can I truly disinfect the existing ones so new birds will be safe?
Anyone who can help me with information on how to handle this, please, please help!
I understand it's a virus, so no vaccine available. I did a search on BYC and it seems that it's mainly passed into the egg by an infected hen. so where is this likely to have come from? My birds do not free range. A year and a half before the Dorkings went into that coop, I had Freedom Rangers in there. Would the virus survive that long with no chickens in the coop? Or did it more likely come with the Dorkings? Might the virus have come with the four year old flock? Should I notify the hatchery I got any of these birds from? Will it eventually kill all my birds? Do I need to destroy all the birds I have here now? Is it safe to eat the eggs (we've been eating them all along with no problems). How do I disinfect the runs? How about the coops? What about the chicken poop we've put in the garden as compost? Will that re infect future birds?
Now the other really big question: I have a new batch of Dorkings due this coming week, from a different hatchery than any other of my birds are from (McMurray's). Their brooder box is on the enclosed back porch...can I keep them safe by using basic infection control measures ( clean clothes/shoes/hands, etc.) ? Do I need to buiild a new coop for them, or can I truly disinfect the existing ones so new birds will be safe?
Anyone who can help me with information on how to handle this, please, please help!
