Infectious Bronchitis - Anyone dealt with this?

[izziebean]

Hi! In November, my flock got Infectious Bronchitis (full necropsy not back yet, but that is the preliminary results). On MerckVetManual, it says the virus can shed for up to 20 weeks. I am assuming that this means that my flock can infect others birds for 20 weeks? That's five months. I over bought chickens because I was planning to sell some of the extras (mainly due to minimums with hatcheries). The beginning of May should be when they are no longer contagious. I do not wish for anyone to have to suffer what I have been through with my flock. The past month has been so hard. Only one died, but four others were having conversations with death for a few days.

Is it even a possibility that I can sell any of these chickens this summer or is the only responsible thing to do is the cull the ones I'm not keeping? I have too many right now. I am building more coops and I think we'll be okay over the winter. Some never showed any signs. I've read that this illness is common with those who show birds because it's so highly contagious. At the moment, I have 4 roosters in a city that doesn't allow any. They are separated from the girls and in a coop by themselves. They get along great without having to compete for the girl's attention. They would have a better life on a farm with a bunch of hens to care for. They have been raised as pets. The silkies are gentle and sweet. ((eh, the polish, not so sweet but I'm planning on keeping them until the neighbors complain)).

Has anyone out there dealt with this? Have you successfully re-homed chickens after an outbreak with Bronchitis? Here is a link to Merck: http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/p...view_of_infectious_bronchitis_in_poultry.html

Thanks for help or wisdom. I'd rather be safe than to hurt someone else's chickens, but culling them seems cruel if they are healthy.

 

[sourland]

I have read that survivors of frank disease outbreaks will remain as carriers of the disease for the rest of their lives.

 

[Eggcessive]

Infectious bronchitis is the most common and the mildest of the respiratory diseases that chickens get. I have read many different articles about it, and the disease can make carriers for up to a year, at least 5 months, but up to a year after they have recovered. So I would advise you to keep them until a year from recovery, and not hatch any eggs from them or get any new chickens for that year. I hope this helps.

 

[izziebean]

There is a test for IB. Would that show if they are carriers or just if they have the antibodies built up for it. Oddly, humans can't get the virus but will build up antibodies against the disease if they are exposed. The vaccine is a live vaccine. I find that odd if it is contagious for a year. Sometimes it seems easier to cull and start over, but then I go look at their cute little faces.

The vet said that they aren't carriers for life. I've been unable to get in touch with the lady who does the NPIP certification for Colorado. I think she might could help?

 

[izziebean]

Thank you. That does help. A year. Closed flock. I feel like I've failed them and every day my heart aches for the one who died.

 

[Folly's place]

Have you talked with your state veterinary poultry expert? Someone at the lab that's testing your birds? Get the necropsy results, and then discuss your options with the expert. So sorry! Mary

 

[Pork Pie]

Thank you. That does help. A year. Closed flock. I feel like I've failed them and every day my heart aches for the one who died.

You most certainly have not failed them in any way so don't beat yourself up on that score - you have done all you can, and you continue to show concern and respect for fellow chicken keepers by asking the questions you have.
CT

 

[izziebean]

Thanks Mary. The vet that tried to help save Paris is not an expert with chickens... although he does work with exotic birds. He is the one that called with the preliminary results from the necropsy. He has referred me to the state specialist, who is also the lady in charge of the NPIP certifications in Colorado. I emailed her a week ago, but haven't heard back yet. I may call her next week although I think all my questions are too soon since we don't have the final result. I will be asking tons of questions and then making the hard decisions.

Thanks to you too CT. Very kind words. I do beat myself up. Paris' death happened so quick. I was playing with her in the afternoon. I did notice she was a bit damp but I thought she had been dust bathing (which she probably had). The temps had dropped outside quickly and the exposure to the virus.. her body just tanked so fast. I've learned so much about giving shots and pushing fluids. I could have pushed more fluids and maybe she might have survived. I was scared something was stuck in her throat and I was choking her. So i just held her all night in the bathtub giving her small drinks of electrolytes all night until the vet's office opened.

Ugh. Chickens. The little things get into your heart.. into those deep places that you thought were closed years ago.

 

[Pork Pie]

Ugh. Chickens. The little things get into your heart.. into those deep places that you thought were closed years ago.

You are most welcome, and yep, the little tinkers - as silly as they are - do find a way into our heart / soul

 

[drumstick diva]

I am so very sorry for your loss, and the aftermath

I used to raise dogs many years ago, until I just couldn't take losing any more. My four oldest made it to 14-14.5 yrs. but, that wasn't long enough.