Post MS/ILT Cleanup

[Chickenllady]

On August 16, 2025 (so, a little over 6 months ago) our flock of nearly 200 sadly were culled after testing positive for both MS and ILT. After several deaths, months of not knowing what was going on, a lot of heart-break, and a talk with our state vet, we made the decision to start over and do what was not only best for our birds, but also for the flocks around us, too. Now, it's been six months, and we've ordered chicks from NPIP/AI certified hatcheries, vaccinated, to come in on March 9th and May 25th -- but i'm so anxious.

From what I'm reading online, both MS and ILT should no longer be lingering in the soil/anything after six months, but I can't help but be apprehensive. Are there certain disinfectants I can use in coops/brooders that anyone can recommend? Is six months a long enough wait, or should I not reuse one of my old brooders? I just can't go through that again.

 

[JeremyCarlsten]

Sorry you had to go through that. Losing that many birds and making the call to cull is brutal, even when you know it’s the right thing for your flock and your neighbors.

I don’t have any special expertise on MS/ILT beyond what you’ve already been reading, but from everything I’ve seen, the six-month wait plus starting fresh with NPIP/AI certified, vaccinated chicks is exactly what most people recommend.

Best of luck with the next flock.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

On August 16, 2025 (so, a little over 6 months ago) our flock of nearly 200 sadly were culled after testing positive for both MS and ILT. After several deaths, months of not knowing what was going on, a lot of heart-break, and a talk with our state vet, we made the decision to start over and do what was not only best for our birds, but also for the flocks around us, too. Now, it's been six months, and we've ordered chicks from NPIP/AI certified hatcheries, vaccinated, to come in on March 9th and May 25th -- but i'm so anxious.

From what I'm reading online, both MS and ILT should no longer be lingering in the soil/anything after six months, but I can't help but be apprehensive. Are there certain disinfectants I can use in coops/brooders that anyone can recommend? Is six months a long enough wait, or should I not reuse one of my old brooders? I just can't go through that again.

You can use Oxine or Virkon S to treat your equipment, brooders, etc.

As for how long both of these diseases stay in the environment, you'll have to do some heavy research. I'm sure there's some studies out there. I believe 6 months is usually the normal timeline, but you want to recheck that information.

I hope your new chicks do very well for you, how sad to have lost the others.