The State Department of Agriculture got called on me

[Debbie09011970]

I had some roosters get sick and die. No hens died. I took in 2 of the dead birds to the Arkansas Veterinary Laboratory and it was apparently one of the worst mistake that I ever did in relation to my animals. They both died from Mycoplasma and now they want to send someone out to swap my birds and possibly cull all of them. Can anyone offer any advice? The State Department called today to come out and swap them. No more birds have died since them and I don't understand the reasoning behind possibly culling all of them? It is through the Arkansas Department of Agriculture so I am wondering if I even get a choice in this. I am upset and need advice ASAP. Surely they cannot kill them all--even the healthy ones.

 

[Acre4Me]

Did they say they would cull? Mycoplasma can cause problems, and it is transmissible to a chick embryo in an egg, but it doesn’t seem typical to cull a backyard flock.

HPAI is going around and there is heightened attention due to that, and they do cull flocks with HPAI.

Any more information?

 

[Debbie09011970]

They said they weren't sure if they were going to tell me to quarantine them or cull them....they wanted to test them first...but they definitely said the word CULL depending on the test results.

 

[Acre4Me]

They said they weren't sure if they were going to tell me to quarantine them or cull them....they wanted to test them first...but they definitely said the word CULL depending on the test results.

I guess it seems unexpected bc of what I looked up on mycoplasma- so I only know what I read about it. But, they tested your birds so maybe something concerned them. Also, it may be required that they go visit and test bc of HPAI, which is highly virulent and has a very high mortality in chickens. Some states are locking things down to prevent the spread (no shows, sales, transport…with certain exceptions on sales chicks via NPIP sellers). But, good luck to you. Since only 2 died, and no others, you may only have to quarantine.

 

[Eggcessive]

Sorry about your birds. I have heard others post about their state agriculture departments being aggressive about positive mycoplasma tests, especially in AR and KY. I don’t know what the legalities are, but they can come and cull for avian influenza. Most people with mycoplasma positive flocks should always close their flocks to new birds or birds every leaving the flock to help control the disease. Some cull sick birds. Unfortunately when something like this happens, people become afraid to get a necropsy or testing to help identify why their chickens are sick. Each state is different. I hope that you don’t lose your flock. Mycoplasma gallisepticum and synovitis only remain alive for about 3 days in chickens or on surfaces, so it is possible to get healthy chicks once all birds are gone.

 

[Debbie09011970]

One person from the state told me it was a forced cull. The other stated that I could quarantine. I made the choice to cull the birds and wait a few weeks before going to the local poultry flea market and buying a large amount of new birds. It's my understanding also that the disease can't live past a few days so a few weeks keeps us more than safe and gave me a chance to bleach the chicken coop. Thank you for the advice.

 

[raingarden]

A fresh start would be better than fighting Mycoplasma forever. The agency experts have everyone's best interest at heart.

 

[Debbie09011970]

A fresh start would be better than fighting Mycoplasma forever. The agency experts have everyone's best interest at heart.

I wrote above that I made a choice to cull the birds and start over.

I was going to the Beebe Flea Market almost every weekend and also am about to buy some new babies online. Thank you.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

Culling was the responsible choice.

Good fortune to you and your new flock.

I don't suppose the State offered and suggestions as to where you might have contracted MG/MG in your flock from? Did you recently bring new birds into your flock, or have extensive contact with other chickens in a more public environment like someone else's farm, or a poultry swap?

 

[Eggcessive]

I wrote above that I made a choice to cull the birds and start over.

I was going to the Beebe Flea Market almost every weekend and also am about to buy some new babies online. Thank you.

I would not get chicks or chickens from a flea market, swap or even a local farm, or you could end up once again getting carriers. Your best bet would be to order baby chicks or get them from a feed store. This year might be difficult to find chicks due to avian influenza outbreaks. I would consider waiting until next year if you cannot get baby chicks who have not been raised by someone else. Also, remember that mycoplasma can be transferred vertically in hatching eggs. Good luck, and sorry for your loss.