Oh, Mikey, this is terrible news. Are you going to do the test? I found this while search. This maybe more cost effective https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...asma-galliseptum-cannot-find-vet-to-test-cullDisease update from the mouth of Dr. Noon from the state vets office.
He will be out to my house tomorrow afternoon to test for Newcastle and Avian influenza.
The most prevalent disease he has seen in the Phoenix area is mycoplasma.
He said several interesting things:
- I almost definitely got it from the birds I purchased from the poultry show.
- Once you have it the only way to get rid of it is get rid of the birds - they will always be carriers and if I introduce young birds to my flock, they will get it.
- Tylan is an excellent choice for treating it (I cannot remember if he said excellent or the best) but it will sweep it under the rug - not eradicate it.
- Purchase birds from a clean hatchery that tests and guarantees birds clean of mycoplasma like McMurray. (Specifically named them)
- They cannot test for mycoplasma but they can give us a kit, we swab several birds and send the sample in to be tested (about $85)
- The eggs and meat from the birds are safe to eat, not communicable to humans - chickens and turkeys only (not parrots either)
We do not know if we will get our flock tested for this - our actions will probably be the same either way - we will let them live out their lives and start a new flock over completely in a couple of years.
The other option is to give them all away to someone who will send them to freezer camp.
Mikey is not a happy camper in Alabama right now.