Eggs still safe to eat?

[123ChickieLou]

I have my chickens on Tetracycline, an antibiotic. Two have come down with pox and the vet recommended this antibiotic to thwart any secondary bacterial infections that could result form the sores.

Are the eggs still safe to eat? Are they safe too while they have this virus?

 

[Chicks on DL]

Anything the chickens eat will be in the eggs even if just a trace. Tetracycline used to be used as a broad spectrum antibiotic for people but they have developed better and stronger antibiotics now. Noone except a doctor is allowed to give medical advice. You will be eating whatever trace of antibiotic is in the eggs. I personally definitely would not give to my children.

 

[Chicks on DL]

I don't know if the eggs are safe while having pox. I would error on the side of caution.

 

[123ChickieLou]

I don't know if the eggs are safe while having pox. I would error on the side of caution.

Anything the chickens eat will be in the eggs even if just a trace. Tetracycline used to be used as a broad spectrum antibiotic for people but they have developed better and stronger antibiotics now. Noone except a doctor is allowed to give medical advice. You will be eating whatever trace of antibiotic is in the eggs. I personally definitely would not give to my children.

That's what I was thinking. I don't know either. I would suppose they're ok to eat as the virus isn't contajious to humans. BUT- thought I'd throw the question out there along with asking about the antibiotics. I know that some worming methods render the eggs unsafe for the duration of the treatment. Just wasn't sure about the antibiotics.
You mentioned not giving to children. Did you mean the eggs, because of the antibiotics or because of the pox?

 

[Chicks on DL]

As to the antibiotics. I have no idea about the pox. Can you ask your vet? As much as I hate to throw away any eggs as I see them as little gifts I personally would avoid them for the duration.

 

[klmclain1]

The pox virus will not transfer through to the eggs. As for tetracyline, do a search here for it and withdrawal to find out how long you should toss the eggs.

 

[123ChickieLou]

The pox virus will not transfer through to the eggs. As for tetracyline, do a search here for it and withdrawal to find out how long you should toss the eggs.

I would asume that I'd have to toss them as long as they are on it. Which will be until all signs of lesions are clear. From what I understand that could take months.
Thanks for the info I'll do a search.

 

[FuzzyButtsFarm]

Antibiotics are not effective on viruses. As a prophylactic for a secondary infection that may or may not happen us unnecessary. Poultry pox are common in Florida because they are transmitted by mosquitoes and once contracted, when they recover, they are immune for life. My entire flock had them and recovered with no intervention on my part.

 

[Chicks on DL]

I am in Florida and didn't know pox was a common affliction in our state. Makes sense though as the mosquitoes here are ferocious. I am always learning something on this site.

 

[dawg53]

Antibiotics are not effective on viruses. As a prophylactic for a secondary infection that may or may not happen us unnecessary. Poultry pox are common in Florida because they are transmitted by mosquitoes and once contracted, when they recover, they are immune for life. My entire flock had them and recovered with no intervention on my part.

x2
No antibiotics are required unless there's a secondary bacterial infection. There's a 21 day withdrawal period after last use of tetracycline aka duramycin.
If there were no antibiotic use, the eggs would be safe to eat.