i have read through all the MG posts, have talked to my personal vet and to the State Vet here in my region. i know some people have taken drastic measures after diagnosing MG (mycoplasma gallisepticum), others have decided to treat and close their flock. i am just hoping to solicit input on this topic, as i now have a diagnosis on my farm.
Brought in 5 new birds to my standard pen of 6 chickens, w/o quarantine. i know better, but thought it would be okay this time - it wasn't. Long story short, most all chickens developed respiratory issues (nasal discharge, crusty nose to severe wheezing). After pulling out my favorite hen Penny into the house, the rest were taken to UC Davis to be euthanized and examined. i did this to protect the other chickens i have which are all in separate pens, but within walking distance of the affected pen.
Several of the newly acquired birds were found to be seropositive for either mycoplasma gallisepticum or mycoplasma synoviae. My State Vet said that it is probably the gallisepticum, based on symptoms. He said it is difficult to test for MG or MS, depending on what stage the outbreak is in. He said that once a bird has it they are carriers for life, and that it can be passed on in eggs to developing chicks. He said there is a vaccine but does not recommend it. i think he said it doesn't keep them from getting the MG, that it only helps to increase egg production (i could be wrong, i take terrible notes).
The issues i am facing are, how do i test Penny for MG? Wondering if she automatically has it now that she has been exposed. She did go through one day of wheezing and recovered without medication. She seems fine now. The State Vet said the best way would be to put her in with two expendable birds. If they get sick, then she's a carrier. Does anyone know of any other way to accurately test?
He said that MG is fragile in the environment, so after cleaning up the gross contaminants in that particular pen and letting it sit a while, it should be MG free. Once i noticed a sick bird in that pen i started wearing different clothes and shoes in that pen and the others. But there was about a day or so when i wasn't. Haven't noticed any respiratory issues in the other pens. Can i assume they weren't exposed, or should i assume they have been?
i'm just hoping to get some down-to-earth advice on how others have dealt with this and what their experiences have been. The friend i got the chickens from is also wondering how to proceed with their flock. In any case, i am currently closing my flock - not the best time since i have a gaggle of pre-pubescent Showgirl roos gearing up for business. Was hoping to rehome a few of them, but can't now until i have a handle on this.
Also, wanted to provide some information for others. i contacted my State Vet through my State Dept of Agriculture. Although i think this information is listed elsewhere on this forum, here is a link to all state vets: http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=0+1301&aid=390 When i called the one for California, i was referred to my regional state vet in Modesto. He was extremely helpful and told me that UC Davis would take the chickens, euthanize, and necropsy for free. (Don't expect your family vet to tell you this!) He also helped to interpret the reports and answered all my questions. Wonderful resource for anyone facing a crisis like this.
Please offer any advice you have or ask any questions you want. i will share everything i know.
Brought in 5 new birds to my standard pen of 6 chickens, w/o quarantine. i know better, but thought it would be okay this time - it wasn't. Long story short, most all chickens developed respiratory issues (nasal discharge, crusty nose to severe wheezing). After pulling out my favorite hen Penny into the house, the rest were taken to UC Davis to be euthanized and examined. i did this to protect the other chickens i have which are all in separate pens, but within walking distance of the affected pen.
Several of the newly acquired birds were found to be seropositive for either mycoplasma gallisepticum or mycoplasma synoviae. My State Vet said that it is probably the gallisepticum, based on symptoms. He said it is difficult to test for MG or MS, depending on what stage the outbreak is in. He said that once a bird has it they are carriers for life, and that it can be passed on in eggs to developing chicks. He said there is a vaccine but does not recommend it. i think he said it doesn't keep them from getting the MG, that it only helps to increase egg production (i could be wrong, i take terrible notes).
The issues i am facing are, how do i test Penny for MG? Wondering if she automatically has it now that she has been exposed. She did go through one day of wheezing and recovered without medication. She seems fine now. The State Vet said the best way would be to put her in with two expendable birds. If they get sick, then she's a carrier. Does anyone know of any other way to accurately test?
He said that MG is fragile in the environment, so after cleaning up the gross contaminants in that particular pen and letting it sit a while, it should be MG free. Once i noticed a sick bird in that pen i started wearing different clothes and shoes in that pen and the others. But there was about a day or so when i wasn't. Haven't noticed any respiratory issues in the other pens. Can i assume they weren't exposed, or should i assume they have been?
i'm just hoping to get some down-to-earth advice on how others have dealt with this and what their experiences have been. The friend i got the chickens from is also wondering how to proceed with their flock. In any case, i am currently closing my flock - not the best time since i have a gaggle of pre-pubescent Showgirl roos gearing up for business. Was hoping to rehome a few of them, but can't now until i have a handle on this.
Also, wanted to provide some information for others. i contacted my State Vet through my State Dept of Agriculture. Although i think this information is listed elsewhere on this forum, here is a link to all state vets: http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=0+1301&aid=390 When i called the one for California, i was referred to my regional state vet in Modesto. He was extremely helpful and told me that UC Davis would take the chickens, euthanize, and necropsy for free. (Don't expect your family vet to tell you this!) He also helped to interpret the reports and answered all my questions. Wonderful resource for anyone facing a crisis like this.
Please offer any advice you have or ask any questions you want. i will share everything i know.
