Salmonella? Rats? Is there somewhere to send to test?

[newbiechickenowner]

I have heard that the "State" can test your chickens for salmonella. I have now discovered that we are surrounded by rats and am concerned about this. Is there a state office that will test for salmonella?

 

[thebritt]

Here's a link to some info on salmonella. No mention of rats.

http://www.urbanchickens.net/2009/02/urban-chickens-and-salmonella-fears.html

If you search the web under "salmonella and chickens", you'll find that most people are worried about getting salmonella FROM chicken eggs, or improperly handled chicken and other foods, not so much about protecting chickens from salmonella itself.

 

[purpletree23]

Get those traps down(your other post) and dispose of the bodies using gloves. Rats can carry worse things than salmonella.