Michigan Thread - all are welcome!

[fuzzybutt love]

Also since there is no info, no hotline, no public announcement trade and sales still commence. (Not mine) Just because i told you guys essentially to not buy from my area at moment, remember neighbors not on byc? Well they don't know.

 

[1muttsfan]

I certainly sympathize with those who loose their birds. A good friend of mine lost his entire beef herd to tuberculosis eradication several years ago, and it was a great loss in both a material and emotional sense. It might help to understand the process if you know how testing works.

There are two kinds of tests available for diseases.

Antibody test - antibodies are produced by the body in response to exposure to infectious organisms. A positive antibody titer test means the subject was exposed to infection with that particular organism and developed an immune response, but not if an active infection is present. It can be used to monitor if diseases are present in an area. After vaccination an antibody test will tell you if you have developed immune protection to the infection vaccinated for. There is no way to tell the difference between antibodies produced by natural infection or those due to vaccination.

Because it takes time for antibodies to appear, animals can be infected and not test positive for a while, sometimes for as long as months. That is one reason why diseased such as HIV and tuberculosis can be so hard to detect early.

If there is a chance that birds were exposed to an infection that may have a long latent period, then the decision may be make to kill them, as quarantine is often extremely expensive and could not be done in most cases on a home farm. I mean no disrespect to anyone, but people can be very undependable when it comes to strictly adhering to isolation, and quarantine for some diseases may be months long. In addition all waste products such as bedding and manure, and even the dust in the coop, would have to be treated as a biohazard.

Antigen test - this tests for proteins produced by the actual organism itself, and is an indication of an infection, whether the animal appears sick or not. There are, unfortunately, not many infections that can be tested for in this way due to complications regarding how organisms act in the body.

 

[RaZ]

Where is everybody?
I'm bored and could use some company.

 

[justplainbatty]

Where is everybody?
I'm bored and could use some company.

Hi RaZ,
Sorry to hear about your health and ins. nightmare. I have medicare and don't have that much grief shiish! Just for fun, I must admit my feathers are ruffled about something.... Every time I have gone to a TSC or Farm and Home to get VetRX, which says it comes with a dropper, it NEVER has one! who in the flock is taking the droppers? I'm just sayin'.

 

[justplainbatty]

I certainly sympathize with those who loose their birds. A good friend of mine lost his entire beef herd to tuberculosis eradication several years ago, and it was a great loss in both a material and emotional sense. It might help to understand the process if you know how testing works.

There are two kinds of tests available for diseases.

Antibody test - antibodies are produced by the body in response to exposure to infectious organisms. A positive antibody titer test means the subject was exposed to infection with that particular organism and developed an immune response, but not if an active infection is present. It can be used to monitor if diseases are present in an area. After vaccination an antibody test will tell you if you have developed immune protection to the infection vaccinated for. There is no way to tell the difference between antibodies produced by natural infection or those due to vaccination.

Because it takes time for antibodies to appear, animals can be infected and not test positive for a while, sometimes for as long as months. That is one reason why diseased such as HIV and tuberculosis can be so hard to detect early.

If there is a chance that birds were exposed to an infection that may have a long latent period, then the decision may be make to kill them, as quarantine is often extremely expensive and could not be done in most cases on a home farm. I mean no disrespect to anyone, but people can be very undependable when it comes to strictly adhering to isolation, and quarantine for some diseases may be months long. In addition all waste products such as bedding and manure, and even the dust in the coop, would have to be treated as a biohazard.

Antigen test - this tests for proteins produced by the actual organism itself, and is an indication of an infection, whether the animal appears sick or not. There are, unfortunately, not many infections that can be tested for in this way due to complications regarding how organisms act in the body.

Just a question about antibody tests, do you know who to ask for a rabies titer test for humans? I got pre-rabies vaccinations so I could work with bats but then none of my doctors had any idea how to test me. Really mad me mad the three shots cost me 400 bucks and I don't know if I'm protected!

 

[fuzzybutt love]

Hm. I thought disease was presesent in the blood immediately. I guess i NEED them to cough up WHAT it is to know the time frame. The sicknesses i am familiar with the incubation periods are a week to 7 days. I have been trying to learn as much about newcastle as possible since it was a virus, and there are only a few options. Newcastle is more likely than flu.

Also when reading on newcastle one article said to test pigeons too, another said not to worry about doves- i have ringneck doves. I know they can't get mareks, i wish there was more info on dove-chicken shared illnesses? The only one i know of so far is canker. I kind of figured if i ever lost my chickens at least i'd have them.

 

[birdman55]

hey everyone got the boards today for the bases of the next three coops so that is what I shall be working on over the weekend...hope everyone had a great christmas

 

[RaZ]

Hi RaZ,
Sorry to hear about your health and ins. nightmare. I have medicare and don't have that much grief shiish! Just for fun, I must admit my feathers are ruffled about something.... Every time I have gone to a TSC or Farm and Home to get VetRX, which says it comes with a dropper, it NEVER has one! who in the flock is taking the droppers? I'm just sayin'.

Actually my health is pretty good, all things considered. Last I saw a doctor was in 1998. Now I finally have the state insurance. What gets me is the amount of paperwork and the inane questions that are asked repeatedly. My mind gets hung up on the stupid, piddly stuff.

Overall, I have been happy with the care I have received. This hernia operation was a bit more than I expected though.

 

[Folly's place]

Public Health does rabies testing for people, so call them. The main office is in Lansing. The vaccines are very good, so all should be well. I get tested every couple of years, and always so far have had a good titer. MANY rabies vaccines in my past, and one exposure! Mary

 

[fuzzybutt love]

This is as far as i can get easily without being able to get on a real computer..... I still say it would be easier if they put out a flyer...!
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/wps/portal/banner/contactus/sa_animal_welfare/