Icelandic Chickens

[Farmerboy16]

Thank you all. It was very hard to open the letter, and see the results. I just went limp and cried, and my mom held me. I had to go to work, and cried all the way to work. I have unplugged 3 incubators with eggs in them, some were due to hatch this weekend.
I will cull all of the chicks day-old to 3 months old tomorrow, and try to sell any of the 5 months old to a year old on Craigslist as meat birds. I want them all gone by Saturday.

 

[The Sheriff]

Daron, oh my goodness how devastating. Were they positive for Mycoplasma? I am so terribly sorry and can not even find the words to say, except that my heart goes out to you.

 

[Farmerboy16]

Yes, positive for Mycoplasma G.

 

[Mahonri]

Yes, positive for Mycoplasma G.

SHUCKS! My heart goes out to you.

 

[kathyinmo]

x

 

[Farmerboy16]

Quote:
Have you researched the medication Denagard (tiamulin)?
http://www.ah.novartis.com/products/en/denagard_45wsg_pig.shtml
It is not approved in the US as a treatment, however, it is used in other countries with great success.
Google for more information............


Chickens:

• Prevention and treatment of chronic respiratory disease (CRD) and infectious synovitis in broilers, replacement pullets, laying and breeding hens: 25-50 mg/kg bodyweight per day (25-50 g Denagard 10% Premix / 100 kg bodyweight).

12.5% Solution
Product Type
Oral antibiotic intended for preventive and therapeutic use in pigs and poultry.
Description and Composition
DENAGARD 12.5% Solution is an aqueous solution containing 125 mg tiamulin hydrogen fumarate per ml of product. It is used for medication in drinking water.
Properties
Tiamulin is a bacteriostatic agent, belonging to the group of pleuromutilins and acts at the ribosomal level to inhibit bacterial protein synthesis. It has a wide spectrum of activity but is particularly active against Brachyspira, Lawsonia and Mycoplasma species. Tiamulin belongs to a category of antibiotics which is not used in human medicine.
Indications
Treatment and prevention of Mycoplasma infections (enzootic pneumonia, chronic respiratory disease), pleuropneumonia and porcine respiratory disease complex.
Denagard is particularly indicated for the treatment of swine dysentery (B.hyodysenteriae)
Dosage and Administration
Pigs:

• Treatment of swine dysentery: 8.8 mg tiamulin hydrogen fumarate / kg bodyweight (equivalent to 10 ml DENAGARD 12.5% Solution per 142 kg bodyweight; inclusion level 0.006% tiamulin) for 3-5 consecutive days
• Treatment of PRDC (porcine respiratory disease complex): 15 – 20 mg tiamulin hydrogen fumarate / kg bodyweight (inclusion level 0.012% - 0.018% tiamulin) for 5 – 10 consecutive days
• Treatment of pleuropneumonia: 20 mg tiamulin hydrogen fumarate / kg bodyweight (inclusion level 0.018% tiamulin) for 5 consecutive days

Indications

Tiamulin (concentration in water in %)

Product
(in ml)

Water
(in liters)

Treatment
(in days)
Treatment swine dysentery

0.006

1

2.1

5
Treatment PRDC

0.012 / 0.018

1

1.0 / 0.7

5 - 10
Treatment pleuropneumonia

0.018

1

0.7

5
Chickens:

• Prevention of chronic respiratory disease (CRD) and air sacculitis: 12.5 mg tiamulin hydrogen fumarate / kg bodyweight
• Treatment of chronic respiratory disease (CRD) and air sacculitis: 25 mg tiamulin hydrogen fumarate / kg bodyweight

Turkeys:

• Prevention of infectious sinusitis and air sacculitis: 12.5 mg tiamulin hydrogen fumarate / kg bodyweight
• Treatment of infectious sinusitis and air sacculitis: 25 mg tiamulin hydrogen fumarate / kg bodyweight

Indications

Tiamulin (concentration in water in %)

Product
(in ml)

Water
(in liters)

Treatment
(in days)
Prevention CRD / air sacculitis / infectious sinusitis

0.0125

1

1

3 days (1st week of life); 1-2 days every 3-4 weeks
Treatment CRD / air sacculitis / infectious sinusitis

0.025

2

1

3 – 5
Withdrawal Periods
Withdrawal periods according to national registrations.
Special Precautions and Warnings
Do not administer ionophore anticoccidials (salinomycin, monensin, narasin) to pigs and poultry receiving therapeutic doses of DENAGARD. Pigs and poultry should not receive products containing ionophores during or for at least seven days before or after treatment with DENAGARD.
Formulations and Packages
DENAGARD 12.5% Solution

• 1 litre dispensing packs

Also, here is a BYC thread with information and links.

You mean that if I use that on my birds, and they would be clean of the disease and not be carriers for life? Permanently?

 

[kathyinmo]

x

 

[AK Michelle]

Now Mary,

Circles I believe, I etch them and other forms all of the time, but,

Satanic ???

Um , nope , we'll see the sun rise in the west and all water run uphill first before I believe that one. Try again. Cheese at rehoming sounds like an excellent tradition,

Michelle on our trip east from Wa to Mi, we hit minus 27, plus and minus from mid MT to western Mn, and Isi got much of his SC much more then frostbit but frozen, hasnt slowed him though, he is eating well, no signs of infection so far, but it sure stresed to me that barring your beautiful barn the SCs arnt a real great choice for our northern clime.

So I am sorting through mine, and will be rehoming my SCs, and any and all large RCs or other Combs . With or without cheesy feasts. Now that is been suggested I can see adding the cheese for a new home well wish.

My white featherlegged rooster will be one rehomed, along with Isi, and possibly Bjorn whose RC did get some black speckles on that same trip, the jury is out there yet.

The dark feather-legged rooster has a very nice crest, a smaller RC, and as near as I can tell he has for want of a better term 'enhanced feathering' over all of his body. I can see him getting the majority of the breedings this year in my flock. I might let Bjorn sire some and then rehome him as Bjorn was the pick of his hatch on a growth standpoint, so I can see saving back some of his pullets that have his growth.

I am making several selections this year, growth and small combs being two factors, along with hardiness, rangeability, maternal traits and feathering.

Ok, now I understand. I have about a month or so that is -20 to -35, however, ir is a dry cold. We are talking abiant humidity of about 16% which is really REALLY dry. And sometimes we have wind, driving the temps even lower. I have a silkie that has a large single comb, he's one of my first ever chicks, he's kind of an old man but he's super sweet and my daughters pet. His comb has lost some of the sharpness from it's points but I don't dwell on it, he's not a show bird so I let nature take it's course. My Mille roo had the same thing, big single comb, just a little smaller by the spring. He won Grand Champion Best of Breed at the fair, but still, I let nature take it's course. Neither bird ever seemed phased or acted injured or pained. My other roo is a bantam silkie-Cochin mix. He was one of the first chicks I ever hatched, and again, he's getting up there in age. He has a super tight little comb and a bit if a poof, but his comb hasn't changed much over the years. I didn't pick my Icelandic Roos, I let the flock pick them. I am keeping the two that are leaders, protectors, providers and, well, gentlemen. Even without going outside, both Roos have many black spots from all constant "discussions" about pecking order, harems, etc. But it's natural, it's what they do. Next year when all the runs are done and they can come and go as they please, there may be some frostbite, and yes, I'm sure it hurts them just like It hurts me, but their ancestors made it all those years, these are tough little birds.

 

[AK Michelle]

You mean that if I use that on my birds, and they would be clean of the disease and not be carriers for life? Permanently?

First off, i'm so sorry.

Secondly, Forgive me if I seem insensitive, I don't mean to be, I'm just curios.

How did this happen? I was away from the thread and don't know all the details. You had culled all your birds, moved, and then started fresh in a new environment. How is this possible? How is it xtransmitted?

Again, I'm so sorry.

 

[kathyinmo]

Quote: I research alot. Here is some info I have gathered................
The Denagard is the best possible solution, if there is one, in my opinion............
I researched it alot, too.


Summary
Following preliminary experiments to determine suitable methods for studying mycoplasma survival, suspensions of Mycoplasma gallisepticum (four strains), Mycoplasma synoviae (two strains) or Mycoplasma iowae (two strains) were seeded onto replicate samples of cotton, rubber, straw, shavings, timber, food, feathers and human hair. The organisms were also seeded onto human skin, ear and nasal mucosa. All samples were cultured for viability after 4, 8, 12 and 24 h, and then daily up to 6 days. The identity of recovered mycoplasmas was confirmed by indirect immunofluorescence. All three Mycoplasma species survived for the longest time on feathers with M. gallisepticum surviving between 2 and 4 days and M. synoviae 2 to 3 days. The type strain of M. iowae remained viable for 5 days on feathers, while the field strain was still viable at the end of the 6‐day experiment. This strain also survived for at least 6 days on human hair and several other materials. M. gallisepticum survived on human hair up to 3 days and one recent field isolate also survived in the nose for 24 h. Survival times of the organisms were generally less on other materials although M. gallisepticum could be isolated from straw, cotton and rubber samples after 2 days.
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Mycoplasma gallisepticum is a pathogenic species within the genus Mycoplasma of the family Mycoplasmataceae.
Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) infection, a common disease of poultry, is commonly designated as chronic respiratory disease (CRD) of chickens. Despite success in eliminating the disease in grand parent (GP) stock and turkeys, it persists in broiler breeders and broilers in many areas (1). Mycoplasma gallisepticum is a respiratory disease, affecting the entire respiratory tract, particularly the air sacs, where it is localized. It is mainly characterized by respiratory rales, coughing and nasal discharge. Clinical manifestations are usually slow to develop and the disease has a long course. All the air sacs may be involved, become cloudy in appearance, and filled with mucus. Similar exudates may encircle the heart and heart sac (2).

Discuss Mycoplasma gallisepticum here​

Mycoplasma gallisepticum infection is caused by an organism classified as a mycoplasma. This organism is similar to bacteria, but lacks a cell wall. This characteristic makes MG extremely fragile.
This disease is found everywhere and is extremely important to both the broiler grower and the table-egg producer. Mycoplasma gallisepticum is especially serious in broiler chickens in which it often acts synergistically with other agents, such as respiratory viruses or pathogenic strains of Escherichia coli to provoke chronic respiratory disease. (3). While not a catastrophic disease it is one of significant economic importance. Mycoplasma gallisepticum is often a co-infection agent with other agents that makes the clinical signs of the other disease much worse. Infection of the air sacs in broilers is a cause for condemning the dressed birds as unsuitable for human consumption (2).
The economic impact of Mycoplasma gallisepticum in broilers includes severely depressed growth rate and feed conversion efficiency. A result of reduced feed consumption is the loss of weight which will be worse in broilers (4).
Mycoplasma gallisepticum problems are of high economic significance since respiratory tract lesions can cause high morbidity, high mortality and significant condemnation at slaughter and downgrading of carcass. MG may remain dormant and cause no disease until the chicken undergoes some stress, so the MG itself is not a killer, in fact, even morbidity is not great. However, an outbreak may be followed quickly by many secondary infections, and it is these that do the damage (5).

Signs:
Infected chickens may develop respiratory symptoms, including rales, coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, frothiness around the eyes, or difficulty breathing. The severity of the symptoms varies; more severe infections are seen when the bird is infected concurrently with Newcastle disease virus, infectious bronchitis virus, Escherichia coli or other pathogens (5).

Lesions:
In uncomplicated cases in chickens, the lesions typically include mild sinusitis, tracheitis, airsacculitis and mucus in the trachea. If the chicken is infected concurrently with Escherichia coli, thickening and turbidity of the air sacs, exudative accumulations, fibrinopurulent pericarditis, and perihepatitis may be seen particularly in broilers (4).

Mortality:
In chickens with uncomplicated infections, the morbidity rate is high while the mortality rate is low. If the birds are concurrently infected with other viruses or bacteria, the disease is more severe. Infections can also result in decreased productivity in the flock.
Financial losses are due to poor feed conversion, retarded growth, drug costs, mortality, increased culling and poor production (4).


Etiology:
Classification: MG is a pathogenic specie within the genus Mycoplasma of the family Mycoplasmataceae.
Growth requirements: MG requires a rather complex medium enriched with 10-15% heat-inactivated swine, avian or horse serum; in this experiment we are using swine serum. Several types of liquid or agar media will support growth of mycoplasmas of avian origin. Growth generally is optimal in medium at approximately pH 7,8 incubated at 37-38° C. Inclusion of phenol red & dextrose makes it possible to detect growth in tubes employed in mass culturing.

Colony Morphology: MG can be grown on serum-enriched agar medium inoculated with broth or agar culture material. It is often very difficult to obtain colony growth directly from original exudates. Inoculated agar plates must be incubated at 37° C in a very moist atmosphere for 3-5 days (5).
Diagnosis:
The following cumulative observations are needed for a final diagnosis of MG infection, namely, lesions, serology, isolation and identification of organism and demonstration of specific DNA (commercial PCR kit available). Culture requires inoculation in mycoplasma-free embryos or, more commonly in Mycoplasma Broth followed by plating out on Mycoplasma Agar. Suspected colonies may be identified by immuno-flourescence.
Frey et al. (1968) developed a medium that incorporated all essential ingredients including 10-15% heat inactivated swine avian or horse serum, yeast autolysate and dextrose, necessary for M. gallisepticum growth. Evidence of colony growth is best studied with the aid of a dissecting microscope with an indirect lighting and characteristic colonies appear as tiny, smooth, circular translucent masses with a dense raised central area (Ley and Yoder, 1997).


Transmission:
The main problem is that parent birds infected with Mycoplasma gallisepticum can transmit the organism through the egg to their offspring. In addition, infection can occur by contact or by airborne dust or droplets.
Direct contact of susceptible birds with infected carrier chickens or turkeys causes outbreaks of the disease. Spread by contact with contaminated equipment is commonly assumed but not been well documented.
The incubation period varies from 6 to 21 days.



Prevention and treatment:

Strict isolation should be maintained to avoid introduction of the disease intro a clean house. The only way to eliminate Mycoplasma gallisepticum from the house is to depopulate, clean and disinfect the premises and allow the house to remain empty for 3-4 weeks. Good management and sanitation are required to maintain a Mycoplasma gallisepticum-free flock. Various antibiotics and chemicals have been injected or administered in feed or water for treatment of CRD.
Results of treatments have been variable, probably reflecting the different complicating infections present under different conditions. Antibiotics (streptomycin, oxytetracycline, chlortetracycline, erythromycin, spiramycin and tylosin) may suppress signs of the disease and has been found to be of economic value, but they may re-occur when treatment is discontinued and carrier status is not eliminated. This is why attempts have been made to prevent the disease by immunization.

Control by medication or vaccination and eradication of Mycoplasma gallisepticum infections has been by far the most effective method of combating the disease. Use of killed (bacterin) vaccines produces a reduction of airsacculitis in broilers, higher egg production, a greater percentage of egg graded large and over, a smaller percentage of undergrades, a better feed conversion in layers and protection against transmission of Mycoplasma gallisepticum through the eggs in breeding stock.

Fertile eggs from infected birds can be treated with antibiotics such as tylosin to eliminate Mycoplasma gallisepticum organisms. Methods used are the injection of fertile eggs or egg dipping.

Blood serum testing of breeder chickens for Mycoplasma gallisepticum antibodies has become a routine to test flocks for a Mycoplasma gallisepticum infection.

• Eradication of infection is the most satisfactory means of control.
• Antimicrobials may be introduced into hatching eggs.
• Antibiotic treatment is also of value in face of clinical disease.
• Live and killed (bacterin) vaccines are safe and capable of preventing Mycoplasma gallisepticum infection.

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Causes of Mycoplasma infectious synovitis

Chickens and turkeys of all ages are susceptible to this acute to chronic disease. The aetiology agent involved is M. synoviae.
Mode of transmission
Spread through egg and laterally by aerosol. Also transmitted by people, vehicles etc.

Note: It is everywhere.


Mycoplasmosis
The Mycoplasma bacteria are some of the smallest living organisms capable of free existence. Two important mycoplasmas affecting chickens are Mycoplasma synoviae, which causes air-sac disease in young birds and infectious synovitis in birds of all ages, and Mycoplasma gallisepticum, which also causes air-sac disease in young birds and chronic respiratory disease in growing and mature birds.
Diseases caused by Mycoplasma infections can be difficult to diagnose without laboratory work since they often occur alongside other bacterial and viral diseases. They are spread from infected breeding birds through hatching eggs as well as by direct contact with infected or carrier birds. However, the Mycoplasma bacteria are not able to survive long away from the bird's body. In commercial breeding flocks, management and biosecurity measures aim at eradication of the disease causing organisms, but this is difficult or impossible in freely ranging scavenging chickens.

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Bacterial Diseases

MYCOPLASMA

99. 100. 101. MG is characterized by respiratory symptoms and a prolonged course of the disease. Particularly susceptible are hens and turkeys at all ages. The aetiological agent is M. gallisepticum. In many cases however, the pathogenicity of the microorganism is enhanced because of its association with any or some of the following agents: E. coli, P. multocida, H. paragallinarum and IB or ND viruses. The most characteristic signs in adult flocks are tracheal rales, nasal discharge, coughing, decreased egg production. Most outbreaks are in broiler chickens older than 4 weeks. The course of the disease is more severe during the winter and in cases of associated infections. Often, conjunctivrtes, facial skin oedema and profuse tear secretion could be observed.

102. In turkeys, unilateral or bilateral swelling of periorbital sinuses, nasal discharge and conjunctivitis are observed. The inflammatory exudate is commonly fibrinous and is detected as diffuse accumulation after removal of overlying skin.

103. 104.most common gross finding is aerosacculftes, the air sacs being filled with fibrinous caseous exudate. The majority of routine chemical disinfectants are effective against M.gallisepticum that rarely survives longer than a few days away from the host. The birds could carry the microorganism and be asymptomatic until the disease is triggered by stress factors such as change of the premise, the diet or weather, vaccinations against or infections with IB or ND, increased levels of dust or ammonia.

105.In older cases, the content of air sacs is dense and compact. A vertical transmission is done through the eggs of some unapparent carriers. The infected progeny transmits the agent horizontally via airborne route, by coughing or contaminated forage, water and environment.

106.Serofibrinous pneumonias, usually bilateral, are a frequent finding.

107Often, the inflammation involves the adjacent serous coats and thus, fibrinous polyserosites occur.

108Sinusites are relatively rarely observed in hens. The positive agglutination tests of sera in several birds from the flock confirm the diagnosis. MG should be distinguished from other respiratory diseases in poultry. Pulmonary and air sacs lesions could be mistaken with similar findings in E. coli septicaemia or aspergillus's. In turkeys, P. multocida pneumonia should also be considered.

109.110.Mycoplasma synoviae (MS) infections could progress as either acute or a chronic systemic disease with symptoms of arthritis, synovitis and bursitis especially in hens and turkeys. The earliest signs are lameness, lying down and retarded growth. Often, oedemas of tibiotarsal joints and the drumstick are observed. The morbidity and death rates are moderate, under 10%. Young chickens at the age of 4-12 weeks and turkey poults at the age of 10-12 weeks are susceptible. Synovites are encountered all year round, but are prevalent during cold humid seasons or when the litter is wet.

111.112.Affected birds get progressively exhausted. When the joints and tendon sheaths are open, a serofibrinous exudate is most commonly observed. The aetiological agent is M. synoviae. The microorganism shows a certain tropism to synovial structures as joints and tendon sheaths. An important route of dissemination of the agent is the transovarial trans¬mission. The distribution by a horizontal route via the respira¬tory tract is also possible. The commonly used means of diagnostics is ELISA. MS infections should be differentiated from staphylococcal infections, reoviral arthritis and RGT (see RGT).
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Another article here.

Check out this discussion, with a very knowledgeable doctor and others.