Chickens with respiratory problems.

[grabs28]

Hi! My neighbors have a lot chickens and they have recently become sick with coughs. One has died and they are treating them with antibiotics. They are kept on mulch that has Brazilian pepper trees in it, could this be the cause?

 

[coach723]

I've no personal experience, but did find this info:
http://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/plant-directory/schinus-terebinthifolius/
https://permies.com/t/28426/Brazilian-Pepper-Tree-waste-debris
Seems like it could be possible it could be an irritant, but I'd be more likely to suspect one of the more common virus's or bacteria.
Having said that, I personally probably wouldn't use it in my chicken run just to be on the safe side.