Possible Ecoli?

[josephinefarmsw]

Our dog is prone to UTI’s because he is paralyzed. However this time his UTI has been caused by an Ecoli bacteria. He doesn’t interact very much with our hens- they are in a fenced pasture but there are couple chickens that sometimes fly over the fence and there is the occasional interaction there. Is it common for Ecoli to be a problem in a flock? They don’t show signs of being sick….but obviously we want to get ahead of it if it’s a problem.

Additionally, if there is risk of contamination- can humans get it from eggs?

Information online is all over the place, any thoughts are welcome

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Have a fecal sample read at a vet. It is difficult to find avian vets that work on chickens but any farm vet may do it.

 

[azygous]

E.coli's many strains are everywhere and inside nearly all living beings. It's when the bacteria become too numerous that a living being becomes sick. E.coli crosses all species so humans can get it from other animals including chickens. E.coli is present in most poop.

Keeping feces cleaned up to reduce numbers of the bacterium is a very good practice. Washing hands is also extremely important to reduce cross contamination.

A healthy immune system will usually keep us and our chickens from getting sick from E.coli. These measures are the best way to deal with E.coli since many strains are now antibiotic resistant. In other words keep healthy, keep your chickens healthy, keep the premises as clean as possible, and you won't have to deal with E.coli infection.