Older hens may have Mycoplasma, planning to add 2 new chicks to flock, what do I do?

[3qkate]

This is the most useful info I've found so far with regard to managing an infected flock: http://www.gapoultrylab.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Mycoplasma handout for Backyard Flocks 4-12.pdf

My one (possibly) infected bird showed very mild symptoms for only about 24 hours. She never looked anything like the images of much sicker birds. I think I'm going to do a deep clean of the coop and run, and just introduce the new birds in a few weeks and see what happens.

"Treat and Manage
There are several antibiotics that may be used to treat Mycoplasma infections although none of them will cure the
disease or completely prevent transmission to other birds. Treatment may decrease the birds’ symptoms, help them
recover faster, and help decrease transmission to new birds. Treatment may need to be repeated monthly to keep
Mycoplasma at low levels since the positive birds will carry it for life.
The antibiotics used to treat Mycoplasma include erythromycin and tylosin, and tetracyclines, such as oxytetracycline
and doxycycline. These are commonly available in feed stores, on the internet, and from poultry supply stores and
catalogs under brand names such as Gallimycin, Tylan, Tylovet, OxyTet, BioMycin, ChlorTet, Duramycin, Terramycin,
Doxyvet, and others. Most are available in either oral or injectable solution. It is very important to follow all instructions
for poultry on the label and observe the withdrawal times listed.
In addition to treating the birds with antibiotics, the disease will have to be managed for the life time of the flock and
any new birds may become infected. Strict biosecurity measures (separate clothing, shoes, and equipment, footbaths,
restricting access, etc.) will help prevent spread of Mycoplasma from your flock to others. Also, no birds from a positive
flock should be taken to shows, auctions, flea markets, or exchanged with friends and neighbors. It is important to
remember that even if only a few individual birds test positive, any other birds in the flock may be carrying the disease
and should be considered positive also.
If you decide to keep and treat your flock, keep in mind that the disease may reappear at any time and new birds added
to your flock will eventually become positive. It is your responsibility to keep Mycoplasma from spreading to other
flocks and especially to nearby neighboring flocks, including commercial poultry farms."

I know this is an old thread but I am in literally the exact same position. How did this work out for you?

 

[bhawk-23]

I know this is an old thread but I am in literally the exact same position. How did this work out for you?

I am adding new chicks to my MG and MD flock. They are vaccinated for MD but I'm wondering how to introduce them to the MG and not overwhelm their systems.

How did it work out for you?