Respiratory infection

[JessaDee]

I need to know what I can do to treat respiratory infection in my flock. I brought home two new chicks and thought they had been quarantined long enough. Now half of my chickens sound congested when they breathe, have runny noses, watery eyes and they’re sneezing. I’ve searched the forums and can’t find a concrete answer. We don’t have a vet around here that sees chickens. I’ve called all over. HELP!!!

 

[Eggcessive]

What state are you in? Depending on the state, there are labs where you can sometimes get testing done to identify the disease. Infectious bronchitis and MG may look similar. MG is more serious. MG can be treated with tylosin (Tylan) while IB is a virus that does not respond to antibiotics. Do you see any bubbles or foam in the eyes, or any swelling around the eye or face? Those can be signs of MG. Here is a good link about the common diseases I mentioned, plus infectious coryza and Infectious Laryngo Trach (ILT,) 2 other respiratory diseases that you can read about:
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ps044

Here is a place where you can get tylosin (Tylan) powder for the water to treat MG in 2-3 days:
https://www.jedds.com/shop/tylan-soluble-100-g/

 

[JessaDee]

I haven’t seen any bubbles or swelling. I’ve learned so much here while searching for answers!
I’m in Virginia, so I’m not sure if there are any labs. I know these are reportable, so I’ve been a bit nervous about asking locally. I’d hate for all of my chickens to be seized or anything. I’m also so upset that someone who rooted their own horn about what a wonderful breeder they are and how great their bio security is would sell me sick chicks. I know it’s probably not her fault, but my favorite girl is sick now

 

[Eggcessive]

MG is fairly common in backyard flocks and can be spread by wild birds. I would call your state vet and discuss this matter about reportable diseases. There should be no worries, unless they tested positive for Newcastles disease or Avian Influenza which are not anywhere near your state. You might also consult with an independent lab such as this one:
http://www.zoologix.com/avian/Datasheets/Mycoplasma.htm