Hi all, I made the mistake of bringing a commercial hen into my flock. It seems she spread IB, and lost some chicks. The adults wheezed a lot but did not die. However they have almost all stopped laying. Now some are moulting, my question is if they will come back into lay eventually or should I cull? Second Q is can I bring in new hens into some coops while I phase out the ones that are not laying? I have culled the commercial bird so I am not sure if I am still carrying IB or not. Thanks for all help.
Rare for IB to reduce eggs by 100%, normally 20-50%. IB is highly contagious it can travel a long distance by air and on your feet etc They are carriers for 49 days post infection. It can live in litter etc for up to 4 weeks so thourough disinfection is required of all equipment and housing.
Here's a link to the Merck Vet Manual concerning IB in poultry: http://www.merckmanuals.com/vet/pou...view_of_infectious_bronchitis_in_poultry.html Another link of interest: http://www.shagbarkbantams.com/ib.htm
