Salmonella, NM Hatchery

[PatS]

Here's the link: http://news.yahoo.com/salmonella-outbreak-linked-nm-poultry-hatchery-214241513.html

I purchased 5 chicks from a feed store that purchased from Privett. These birds seem fine, but I have noticed some liquid poos and lethargy in a year old hen who free ranges with them.

If there were salmonella in my flock, would it be obvious?

Thanks,
Pat

 

[War Chicken]

Not necessarily. Like with many other infectious disease, signs and symptoms can be vague.

They do have rapid tests for salmonella that are very similar to pregnancy tests. You use a stool sample which is a lot easier to get than a blood sample. They're like 5/$40.

 

[PatS]

Where does one get the test? Internet? (I live more than an hour's drive away from the nearest vet.)

 

[War Chicken]

http://www.avianlabs.com/

and

http://www.siegelpigeons.com/catalog-paratyphoid.html

(last item on the page)

Siegel charges more but are located in the US.

I found other types of salmonella tests but many are for food contamination and I'm not sure if they'd work on stool samples. Perhaps they would but they're not any cheaper unless purchased in large quantities.

 

[PatS]

Thanks War Chicken!