Possible Mycoplasma Galliseptum-Cannot find Vet to Test-Cull?

[crystaldegallina]

Several of my hens have come down with symptoms that have me strongly suspecting they have Mycoplasma Galliseptum.
The problem I am having is finding a vet that will test in my area for a reasonable fee. The one vet who was willing to test wanted $150+. Waiting on a another vet to get back to me on what his cost would be.
I have already decided that if the results were positive that I would cull the flock and start from scratch. Not what I want & I am emotionally attached to some of my older hens, BUT that is what I feel is best.
So what if I cannot find a vet to test for a reasonable rate? Do I cull the flock based on my gut feeling?

My flock is only a total of 15, so the financial cost of replacing them is not huge.

What would you do? Suggestions?

 

[madamwlf]

You should have a Department of Agriculture rep in your state. They should be able to help you get your birds tested. Or if you know someone who does NPIP testing or even try contacting a 4H rep. They might be able to help.

http://www.agri.ohio.gov/

 

[crystaldegallina]

It seems everyone that would be of help(Dept of Ag, Ohio Poultry Association, & State Vet College) is located in Columbus, which is a 2+ hour drive for me.
What is a reasonable cost to have blood drawn and sent to a lab to test for Mycoplasma?
Can I draw my own blood and send it out, or does it have to be a Veterinarian?

 

[madamwlf]

Your best bet would be to call them and ask. I don't know the answers to your questions but they would. They may even be able to point you in the right direction for someone in your area.

 

[crystaldegallina]

Thank you, I have asked these questions and no one seems to have any referrals in my area. I guess I am asking for other peoples experiences in dealing with getting a Mycoplasma test.
Has anyone out there pulled their own blood and sent it off for testing? What have others paid to have testing done?

Thanks!

 

[EllaBella]

If you can find a vet to pull some blood, you can send it off to the Ohio Department of Agriculture's Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory:

Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory
8995 East Main Street
Reynoldsburg, OH 43068-3399
Phone: (614) 728-6220
Fax: (614 ) 728-6310
Email: [email protected]

Their website is here: http://www.agri.ohio.gov/divs/ai/addl/addl.aspx

If you can't find a vet to pull the blood for you and you're feeling brave, here's how to do it yourself: http://ohioline.osu.edu/vme-fact/0023.html . Maybe an experienced farmer or someone at a feed store could give assistance.

Remember, the blood needs to be immediately refrigerated until it's sent off, and you'll probably have to overnight it with a gel pack to keep it cold.

There are different types of Mycoplasmas and different types of tests. The most common mycoplasmas in poultry are Mycoplasma gallisepticum and M. synoviae. Serological Mycoplasma testing is better utilized for flock screening than for individual testing. Read more here: http://goo.gl/Nkd8o .

Pricing for the test is cheap. At Ohio's ADDL, Mycoplasma tests run from a dollar plus change to $36, depending on the test. (That's why you need to read the article above -- to better understand what type of test(s) to get and what kind of specimen to collect, i.e. serum (blood), tissue, or other.) ADDL test pricing starts here, but click on the drop down menu box to choose the appropriate test: http://www.agri.ohio.gov/divs/ai/addl/addltests.aspx .

ELISA = enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
HI = haemagglutination inhibition
PCR = polymerase chain reaction
SPT = ?
RSA = rapid serum agglutination

Submission and shipping guidelines are here: http://www.agri.ohio.gov/divs/ai/addl/addltests.aspx



Hope this helps & Good luck!

 

[crystaldegallina]

Thank you

 

[ksavageclarke]

How did this turn out for you? I believe I am dealing with the same thing in my new flock. One hen has a bubbly eye and her roo is breathing really rough tonight. I have a couple of others with nasal discharge. My vet checked the hen with a bubbly eye but did not have a diagnostic test, or know of one. She consulted a poultry expert at the University. I have 5 muscovy hens in addition to my 12 chickens and really don't know what to do. I love them all and we worked so hard to set up the house and pen.

 

[crystaldegallina]

Culled them all. There is a swab test for MG. Culled my ducks too, even they probably won't show symptoms, they could be carriers and infect whatever new birds you bring in. I only hatch eggs or order day olds and will never bring in an adult bird. Good luck.