Here's the thing, there is some indication that a 12 month Denagard treatment program MAY keep the birds from becoming carriers. Yes, you can choose not to treat, let those that die die. let those that survive become carriers, have 30% less productive layers and eventually future generations will have improved resistance. Or, you can treat your entire flock for 3-5 days initially, cull those that don't respond well by the 3rd day and treat them once a month for a year and maybe come through on the other end with a flock that is not sick, won't spread to others and produce more resistant offspring. You can also treat your flock, warm/cold Tylan/Denagard dip your hatching eggs and produce clear chicks for a replacement flock. What you can't ethically do is not tell others you've had exposure in your flock. I understand not wanting to use antibiotics if it can be avoided - the Denagard has been widely used and become accepted practice in Europe where Avian approval has been sought and granted. Here in the states simply not enough $ for manufacturers to jump through the hoops. Your flock. Continue researching and come to your own conclusions on how to best manage it. Good luck!
