The State Department of Agriculture got called on me

[Lenny loves chickens]

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.

I know in iowa if you had one in the flock test positive they cull the whole flock and I think anything within 3 miles or did whennit was frequent

 

[Eggcessive]

I know with AI or exotic Newcastles disease, you don’t have a choice in culling all of your chickens, and that is to save other chickens. But with MG or MS, they may try to lean on you, but I would find out if they can force you legally to cull. Closing the flock with no birds going in or out should be done by anyone who has a contagious disease. Some may choose to cull, while others may try to treat and keep it from spreading. Unfortunately with reportable diseases, though it is good to be able to get testing or a necropsy to find out what a sick bird has, some may fear getting testing.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

I know with AI or exotic Newcastles disease, you don’t have a choice in culling all of your chickens, and that is to save other chickens. But with MG or MS, they may try to lean on you, but I would find out if they can force you legally to cull. Closing the flock with no birds going in or out should be done by anyone who has a contagious disease. Some may choose to cull, while others may try to treat and keep it from spreading. Unfortunately with reportable diseases, though it is good to be able to get testing or a necropsy to find out what a sick bird has, some may fear getting testing.

Desision is up to the State - and the State has almost complete authority with regard disease in livestock. In a few states, owners are compensated (somewhat) for the cull, in most, they are not.

/edit Updated with links to what appears to be the current AR code.

 

[McChooky]

Some flocks show no symptoms until they're stressed (similar to a virus) .Its more common than you think. https://backyardpoultry.iamcountrys...-about-mycoplasma-and-chickens/#comment-25099

 

[McChooky]

I ordered a ready made tincture of Phyllanthus Niruri L. (see article)