Culling is definitely the preferred method, but unfortunately many (myself included) don't have the heart to cull every sick bird. Though I've had to do it with a few.
CasportPony,
The reason why many vets won't prescribe or treat over the phone is because it is nearly impossible to diagnose without putting your hands on the animals and potentially taking samples. Too much liability to prescribe over the phone.
E. coli is a perfect example of why it can be important to have a good idea of what you are dealing with. E. coli generally manifests itself as a respiratory disease (Air sacculitis, pneumonia, etc.) or septicemia in birds. It's even more tricky because most animals that carry E. coli (especially ones that can infect humans) are asymptomatic carriers. Additionally, there are an increasing number of antibiotic resistant strains of E. coli, which is bad news for human health because this can cause some pretty serious infections in people (Especially in children - Some variants of E. coli can even cause total kidney failure in children!). However, many strains of E. coli are susceptible to tetracycline, a drug that IS used in food animals (providing one follows the withdrawal times) and this is generally available in Tractor Supply and most feed stores.
My main issue is with using Baytril in food animals or poultry that lays eggs for consumption without knowledge of the specific organism causing the problem.
