ALV in flock

[Dee55]

Hello, I have gone from over 60 hens to now only having 27 with two looking like they will be the next to go. (ALV dx via RAL in Texas) I have said once I am down to around 10, I will cull and start over fresh. My question is how long do I need to wait after I cull the last one to start a new flock? In other words, how long will the virus live without a host? I can't seem to find answers about this. Please forgive me if this is the wrong place to post this. I haven't posted in years and the site has changed so much.

 

[Eggcessive]

With Mareks disease, the virus can last a few years in the environment through feather dust and dander. @azygous has leukosis virus and may know how long to wait before getting healthy chicks. There are some good disinfectants for treating coops including Virkon S tablets, which can be dissolved in a bucket of water, and available online.

 

[azygous]

The leucosis virus is short lived in the environment. Some say just a few short weeks, but I would give it two or three months, disinfect all surfaces, and then you may safely start a new flock.

 

[Kiki]

I'd buy this:
https://www.qcsupply.com/virkon-s-disinfectant-tablets.html

 

[Kiki]

https://virkon.us/#toggle-id-5

Poultry Disease	Virus Family
Avian Adenovirus (Type2)*	Adenoviridae
Avian reovirus*	Reoviridae
Avian Influenza	Orthomyxoviridae
Avian laryngotracheitis virus	Herpesviridae
Adenovirus pneumonia*	Adenoviridae
Chicken anemia virus*	Circoviridae
Duck adenovirus*	Adenoviridae
Duck enteritis virus*	Herpesviridae
Egg drop syndrome (EDS)*	Adenoviridae
Infectious bronchitis virus*	Circoviridae
Infectious bursal disease* (Gumboro)	Birnaviridae
Marek’s disease virus*	Herpesviridae
Newcastle disease virus	Paramyxoviridae
Turkey herpes virus*	Herpesviridae
Turkey rhinotracheitis virus*	Paramyxoviridae

 

[Dee55]

The leucosis virus is short lived in the environment. Some say just a few short weeks, but I would give it two or three months, disinfect all surfaces, and then you may safely start a new flock.

I can clean the coop but it has dirt floor and dirt run. How do you disinfect that? Thank you BTW for answering me tho.

 

[azygous]

First of all, wait two months after culling for the virus in the dust to die. In other words, chill for a couple of months, doing nothing except remove all poop from coop and run. Dispose of it in your trash. Do not use it as compost.

Then, after two months, scrape the dirt floor removing the top half inch. Then mix up a bleach solution or even better, Oxine that is activated. These kill viruses. Spray all surfaces liberally, including the dirt floor. Let dry completely before installing new chicks.

 

[Dee55]

First of all, wait two months after culling for the virus in the dust to die. In other words, chill for a couple of months, doing nothing except remove all poop from coop and run. Dispose of it in your trash. Do not use it as compost.

Then, after two months, scrape the dirt floor removing the top half inch. Then mix up a bleach solution or even better, Oxine that is activated. These kill viruses. Spray all surfaces liberally, including the dirt floor. Let dry completely before installing new chicks.

May I ask why I can't put in my compost pile? It is nowhere near the chicken pen. I mean, if the virus dies without a host, then I would think it would die in the compost pile, right? Don't get me wrong, I truly appreciate you taking the time to answer my questions. I am just wondering the reason.

 

[azygous]

Because until the virus dies out completely, just shifting the run material into a compost pile can leave it free to disperse in the wind which could endanger other chickens that might be downwind, and wild birds can also pick it up on their bodies and spread it. If you are well buffered by lots of space from your neighbors, it may not be as big an issue. It's important to remember ALV is extremely contagious until it dies in the environment. You yourself can spread it by not changing clothing and shoes you wore while cleaning the run, and just visiting a feed store where other chicken keepers might bring it home to their flocks.

I would remove the upper layer of soil and then tarp the spot where you dispose of it for a few months in order to contain the virus. Knowing that ALV is weak and will likely die out relatively quickly, is a comfort, but it still can't hurt to treat it with care until it does.

 

[Dee55]

Because until the virus dies out completely, just shifting the run material into a compost pile can leave it free to disperse in the wind which could endanger other chickens that might be downwind, and wild birds can also pick it up on their bodies and spread it. If you are well buffered by lots of space from your neighbors, it may not be as big an issue. It's important to remember ALV is extremely contagious until it dies in the environment. You yourself can spread it by not changing clothing and shoes you wore while cleaning the run, and just visiting a feed store where other chicken keepers might bring it home to their flocks.

I would remove the upper layer of soil and then tarp the spot where you dispose of it for a few months in order to contain the virus. Knowing that ALV is weak and will likely die out relatively quickly, is a comfort, but it still can't hurt to treat it with care until it does.

OK, thank you.