How long before introducing new birds?

[southeast]

Made a gigantic rookie mistake and introduced some new Easter Eggers into our flock without quarantine. Long story short, all birds had to be destroyed after an aggressive respiratory disease took hold, introduced by the new birds. The culling was advised by our vet when two rounds of antibiotics didn't work. This was an aggressive respiratory disease. How long should we wait before getting new birds? I'm afraid whatever this is may live a while in the chicken house and grounds. Don't want to bring new birds in too soon and start this all over again. This was miserable!!! Hard lesson learned! Any advice is appreciated.

 

[Eggcessive]

Things like mycoplasma or coryza will only remain in the environment for 3 days or so. Others such as ILT may hang around longer, especially if there have been frozen droppings lying around. Do you know what disease they had? I can't say for sure with infectious bronchitis, but I would probably wait for a few weeks or months at least. Mareks can last for many years in the environment. If any birds remain, there may always be carriers, even in wild birds.

If I had gone through this, I might think about getting day old chicks in early spring. When buying chicks from breeders or started pullets, there can always be a risk of bringing something into the flock. Good luck to you, and you may get some valuable info on diseases by contacting a well known poultry center. Cornell University, UC Davis, and Texas A & M are ones I know. Others may chime in here with more info.

 

[southeast]

That's what the vet said. Didn't think it was Mareks. All birds were destroyed and disposed of properly. Going to buy chicks from a reputable hatchery, and will raise our own from now on. Thanks for the info!

 

[southeast]

That's what the vet said. Didn't think it was Mareks. All birds were destroyed and disposed of properly. Going to buy chicks from a reputable hatchery, and will raise our own from now on. Thanks for the info!