Avian TB diagnosis

[Lnzsmith]

OUr Lavender Orpington had surgery on a sinus last week and the dr just called with the pathology report: Avian TB. OMG. What should we do? He said he'd treat with a round of penicillin if we wanted to, but to be aware that the other chickens likely could catch it (I mean, wouldn't they already have, they've lived with her for 3 years)? and it can be zoonotic (hop to humans and other mammals).

What would you do? What should we do?

 

[Lnzsmith]

Everything I read says we should probably cull the flock

 

[aart]

Can you get a copy of the pathology report?
@Eggcessive @Wyorp Rock any experience with Avian TB?

@Lnzsmith please tell us.....
Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!

 

[dawg53]

@Lnzsmith I'm sorry you're going through this. You're correct, it IS zoonotic to humans. Here's information for others to read about the disease:
https://wagwalking.com/bird/condition/tuberculosis

 

[Eggcessive]

I have never dealt with avian Tuberculosis, but I would cull any birds with it. It can spread to other birds and people, and would be very dangerous to those who are immune compromised, such as those undergoing chemotherapy or having lupus and other diseases. Here is some reading:
https://www.thepoultrysite.com/publications/diseases-of-poultry/188/avian-tuberculosis

https://www.merckvetmanual.com/poultry/tuberculosis/tuberculosis-in-poultry

 

[Myrshine]

I’d cull because I’ve heard that any TB in any animal can be zoonotic to humans..

 

[benevolent_leonela]

Sorry for the bad news. I would cull the flock. TB is relentless and risky, not worth the trouble even though we all love our birds. Watched my aunt deal with it once, she culled the one bird hoping the rest would be fine and unfortunately that wasn't the case. Her pot belly pigs got it too.

 

[Lnzsmith]

Thanks everyone. Can we have chickens again do you think? We were already planning to build a new coop and re-locate it. We might wait a year I guess.

 

[Myrshine]

Thanks everyone. Can we have chickens again do you think? We were already planning to build a new coop and re-locate it. We might wait a year I guess.

I’d wait about 6-8 months before getting any sort of poultry just in case.

 

[cheepcheepnash]

Hi! Our hen was just found to have avian TB. The state didn't have advice, but referred us to some vets who can hep. Would you mind sharing how this ended up for you? We suspect our other 2 hens have it because they are thin despite eating. We are scared that we could get sick.