Mereck's, MG and MS

[Anna W]

Well, this stinks... I just got a word from the vet that my little Mini that died last week (after me carrying for her for two months) had Mereck's, MG, and MS!
I got new birds from a local family farm after a stinking possum murdered my perfectly happy healthy birds (one was left, because she was in the "chicken hospital" with her foot). Anyway, I was now told that all of the birds most likely have Mereck's, MG, and MS. Yesterday, I noticed that another bird stopped eating and is looking sad (trying to hide in corners and dark places). She is not showing any other signs or symptoms yet. She supposed to be laying by now (she was 8 weeks old on July 20th 2019, or so that irresponsible farmer lady said), but no eggs, and today is Nov. 15th.
I gave Denagard 12.5% (1 Tbsp/gal) in their drinking water today with sugar (boy, that stuff is BITTER). Vet suggested Tylosin. I am thinking, after Denagard for 5 days, I will also give them Tylosin (1/8 tsp/2cups) for 14 days.
Any other suggestions on how to keep my birds healthy? I know that there is no cure, but I have to try.
Thank you all!

 

[dawg53]

Tylan has been discontinued as far as I know, unless your vet has it. Baytril would knock out the MG/MS symptoms real quick.

 

[pennyJo1960]

you bring any birds in they will get it the land is tainted

 

[dawg53]

you bring any birds in they will get it the land is tainted

That is true, especially for Marek's disease. However with MG/MS, the bacteria lasts in the environment for only 3 days. Personally I'd cull the flock, wait one month, disinfect everything with activated Oxine and repopulate with new chicks vaccinated against Marek's and maintain a closed flock.

 

[Anna W]

Tylan has been discontinued as far as I know, unless your vet has it. Baytril would knock out the MG/MS symptoms real quick.

Thank you for the info. I think that Tylan is used for injections, I have powdered Tylosin. I will look at Baytril. Do I need prescription for it? Thanks again!

 

[dawg53]

@Anna W I'm sending you a PM.

 

[Anna W]

That is true, especially for Marek's disease. However with MG/MS, the bacteria lasts in the environment for only 3 days. Personally I'd cull the flock, wait one month, disinfect everything with activated Oxine and repopulate with new chicks vaccinated against Marek's and maintain a closed flock.

Well, getting rid of the flock is not an option--kids gave every chicken a name, and they were broken hearted about the ones we already lost. The vet suggested to watch the second bird. I will give it up to put to sleep, if it gets worse, now that I know what is going on. We are very attached to our birds/pets . The vet said to let them live out their natural lives, before they either have to be put to sleep or die from old age. I am sorry, but I cannot kill a chicken just yet --I am only keeping them for eggs. If and when they all go, I will sanitize the whole area and get vaccinated chicks, as you suggested.

Question: are there vaccines from MG/MS?

 

[Anna W]

@Anna W I'm sending you a PM.

Thank you!

 

[Anna W]

That is true, especially for Marek's disease. However with MG/MS, the bacteria lasts in the environment for only 3 days. Personally I'd cull the flock, wait one month, disinfect everything with activated Oxine and repopulate with new chicks vaccinated against Marek's and maintain a closed flock.

Also, my chickens are free ranged and walk all over within the backyard perimeter. I am not sure how I am to disinfect the whole yard. Or do I need to? Or, is it only the coup and the run that I need to worry about?

 

[dawg53]

Also, my chickens are free ranged and walk all over within the backyard perimeter. I am not sure how I am to disinfect the whole yard. Or do I need to? Or, is it only the coup and the run that I need to worry about?

It's too labor intensive to disinfect soil and it's not going to happen with Marek's in the soil. When you get new chicks, ensure they are vaccinated for Marek's. There is a vaccine for MG, however I dont know its effectiveness against the various strains.