Yes, there are vaccines that can be given to 1-14 day old chicks. But, they are not perfect, like the flu virus that affects humans, there are different strains. Vaccines also don't protect against new strains that can develop.
If you order your chicks, talk to the company and see if it is something they can do for you.
My second flock had a mycoplasmic upper respiratory infection, that took about 6 weeks to clear. They probably were carriers, but, I kept their immune systems strong with herbs, abundant food, clean environment, and exercise. I did the same for subsequent groups, and have never had another respiratory infection.
You can do everything possible to prevent infectious contagions, and still end up with some. Because you can't control, wild birds, insects, the wind, even unknown contamination of your own clothing and shoes. Every few years, we see avian flu infecting hundreds of thousands of chickens, in the most sophisticated bio controlled poultry producers.
Bio security is important, but not infallible. Vaccines are important prevention tools, but also can fail. So what is a chicken keeper with a small backyard flock to do?
Well, you can cull the entire flock, then disinfect everything.
But, if this is not something you can do, you can raise the new chickens away from the existing flock. But, that isn't reliable either.
But, then without testing, you aren't even 100% sure you have IB in your flock. Their symptoms also match Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG). Here is the link to your state dept. of Agriculture. Check out the site and think about getting help from them.
http://mda.maryland.gov/animalhealth/pages/default.aspx
Here is another lo-o-ng link about MG, from your state veterinary college.
http://extension.umd.edu/sites/exte... Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) Infecti....pdf
Another option is to do everything you can, to keep your flock healthy, vaccination, good husbandry practices, bio security, immune system enhancement, low stress environments, and proper nutrition. Know full well, that the worst can happen, or nothing can happen, as well as a little something can happen.
Then, you go get your chicks, raise them separate from the adult hens, till they are comparable in size, to be introduced. Then, you enjoy them and the wonderful eggs they will give you!
God Bless
If you order your chicks, talk to the company and see if it is something they can do for you.
My second flock had a mycoplasmic upper respiratory infection, that took about 6 weeks to clear. They probably were carriers, but, I kept their immune systems strong with herbs, abundant food, clean environment, and exercise. I did the same for subsequent groups, and have never had another respiratory infection.
You can do everything possible to prevent infectious contagions, and still end up with some. Because you can't control, wild birds, insects, the wind, even unknown contamination of your own clothing and shoes. Every few years, we see avian flu infecting hundreds of thousands of chickens, in the most sophisticated bio controlled poultry producers.
Bio security is important, but not infallible. Vaccines are important prevention tools, but also can fail. So what is a chicken keeper with a small backyard flock to do?
Well, you can cull the entire flock, then disinfect everything.
But, if this is not something you can do, you can raise the new chickens away from the existing flock. But, that isn't reliable either.
But, then without testing, you aren't even 100% sure you have IB in your flock. Their symptoms also match Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG). Here is the link to your state dept. of Agriculture. Check out the site and think about getting help from them.
http://mda.maryland.gov/animalhealth/pages/default.aspx
Here is another lo-o-ng link about MG, from your state veterinary college.
http://extension.umd.edu/sites/exte... Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) Infecti....pdf
Another option is to do everything you can, to keep your flock healthy, vaccination, good husbandry practices, bio security, immune system enhancement, low stress environments, and proper nutrition. Know full well, that the worst can happen, or nothing can happen, as well as a little something can happen.
Then, you go get your chicks, raise them separate from the adult hens, till they are comparable in size, to be introduced. Then, you enjoy them and the wonderful eggs they will give you!
God Bless
