blm
In the Brooder
Hello.
Does anyone have experience with a 7month old turkey that has symptoms of Mycoplasma-respitory illness? And is the meat safe to eat?
Been caring for 11 chickens and 1 turkey for the first time since April 2017. They have been staying together in large pen and occasionally get let out to free range. A couple of weeks ago noticed foamy, tiny bubbles in the turkey's eyes. Think it started happening when the weather got a little cooler at night (40-50'sF). After some research came to the conclusion it's most likely Mycoplasma. Since then, turkey has been quarantined. Haven't noticed any symptoms with any of the chickens yet... hope not to. Turkey will be slaughtered this wknd. It was the plan all along but my question is... if in fact a bird has this illness/disease, does it affect the meat? My practical sense says, "hell no, don't eat anything that has a disease." besides we don't know exactly what it is and/or if there is something else. He appears to be in no pain. Even as a domesticated (factory) turkey, he is up and about walking around and following us humans all excited and active. He's eating good and actually started gobbling (sweet adolescence).
Any advice out there?
Thanks,
BLM (southern Michigan)
Does anyone have experience with a 7month old turkey that has symptoms of Mycoplasma-respitory illness? And is the meat safe to eat?
Been caring for 11 chickens and 1 turkey for the first time since April 2017. They have been staying together in large pen and occasionally get let out to free range. A couple of weeks ago noticed foamy, tiny bubbles in the turkey's eyes. Think it started happening when the weather got a little cooler at night (40-50'sF). After some research came to the conclusion it's most likely Mycoplasma. Since then, turkey has been quarantined. Haven't noticed any symptoms with any of the chickens yet... hope not to. Turkey will be slaughtered this wknd. It was the plan all along but my question is... if in fact a bird has this illness/disease, does it affect the meat? My practical sense says, "hell no, don't eat anything that has a disease." besides we don't know exactly what it is and/or if there is something else. He appears to be in no pain. Even as a domesticated (factory) turkey, he is up and about walking around and following us humans all excited and active. He's eating good and actually started gobbling (sweet adolescence).
Any advice out there?
Thanks,
BLM (southern Michigan)
Welcome!
MS is a respiratory infection. As long as you're not treating with Antibiotics he should be safe to eat. If you do treat there is a withdraw period before you can process and eat.
