Possible myco

[nikirushka]

I find myself more than a little concerned! My two araucanas have been a bit off for a couple of days. A bit head-shaky and sniffly. So the other night, I had a look at them after dark and both had a lot of bubbles in their eyes.

This is not the first time I've had to treat respiratory troubles so I have tylan, and started the flock on it this morning.

This is the first time I've seen eye bubbles though, and I understand that is very common with myco.

I know it can be tested for; can anyone tell me how I go about this and likely cost? And if it is confirmed, would I then never add more chooks to my current flock or is just not rehoming any (e.g. rooster chicks) ok? Most are in good health but I have chicks on the way (under a broody) and at least one 5 week old roo. I have just rehomed some but fortunately, they were incubated off site and raised indoors so didn't get anywhere near the flock before the boys went. The girls are out with the adults, though.

I've not been great with biosecurity simply because my girls free range in my garden in the evenings, and with 7 dogs as well it's all but impossible in that situation, but I will be expanding their run soon and then they won't be let out again. That was planned anyway, before this current concern.

 

[azygous]

Call your university extension office. They should be able to help you find a lab that will do infectious disease testing for livestock. But it's obvious you have a CRD in your flock.

The respiratory virus is now occupying the cells of all your flock. It doesn't preclude adding new chicks. You need to be aware that they will be exposed to the virus and become carriers and possible victims if subjected to stress.

It does preclude rehoming chickens from your flock unless you make it clear they are carrying a CRD virus.

You can treat the eye symptoms with Neosporin or terramycin ointment.

 

[Eggcessive]

Bubbles can be a sign of mycoplasma gallisepticum or MG, especially if there are other symptoms. It is a bacteria-like organism, and responds to Tylan (tylosin,) tetracyclines, Baytril, and Denagard (tiamulin.) The flock will be considered positive for the disease as long as any birds remain alive, and symptoms can possibly come back during extreme stress. Here are some links to read:
http://www.gapoultrylab.org/wp-cont...coplasma handout for Backyard Flocks 4-12.pdf

https://thepoultrysite.com/disease-...tion-m-g-chronic-respiratory-disease-chickens

https://tvmdl.tamu.edu/2019/05/20/mycoplasmosis-in-backyard-chicken-flocks/

 

[nikirushka]

Thank you both. Both aracaunas look better already, with being on the tylan. They weren't drastically ill before but the larger one in particular was obviously not right.

I've enquired with a poultry lab and just had an answer back about testing, so I'll get that done asap. I know it means either culling and restarting or just maintaining a closed flock if it's positive, but I'm happy to do the latter - I won't cull all my girls when they are healthy and happy 99% of the time.

 

[Poultrybonkers]

if your flock has mg not sure where you live but the state will make you cull them if most test positive for it

 

[nikirushka]

I'm in the UK. I can't find any reference to a requirement to cull, only to keeping a closed flock if the disease is confirmed or suspected.

 

[Eggcessive]

if your flock has mg not sure where you live but the state will make you cull them if most test positive for it

That is not true in most places. The only ones I know of which require depopulation of birds are avian influenza and Newcastles disease. Some diseases may be reportable in certain states. If that was true, not many would have chickens. MG is all over the world in wild birds. Healthy chickens may be able to fight it off if it is in the environment. There are vaccines available as well.

 

[Eggcessive]

@rebrascora lives in the UK and may know where to get testing for mycoplasma done.

 

[Poultrybonkers]

That is not true in most places. The only ones I know of which require depopulation of birds are avian influenza and Newcastles disease. Some diseases may be reportable in certain states. If that was true, not many would have chickens. MG is all over the world in wild birds. Healthy chickens may be able to fight it off if it is in the environment. There are vaccines available as well.

wild birds have it then because of people diseased chickens there is no cure meds only hide symptoms