Update 9/7-- Avian Leukosis!

[threehorses]

Oh that's just awful.

I think that most people just cull honestly, or just don't know that they have it. I'm certain that not everyone gets necropsies done. Or often it's not differentiated from Marek's, which is the disease against which a "differential diagnosis" should always be done.

 

[VettekLisa]

I have ordered the Virkon-S tabs. They should be here by next
week.
I checked with 1 lab in our area that does the testing. $77.75
for each bird.

I have a call in to Idexx Labs. They make a test kit for Avian
Leukosis that they can sell to your vet. I'll post more info
when I get the price. This may be my best bet.

Thanks for all your help! Maybe I can get lucky and at least
1 of my lavenders will be negative twice.

 

[threehorses]

Quote:
Whew, the first is like buying the birds all over again. Maybe that kit for your vet would work. They only sell to vets?

 

[VettekLisa]

Quote:
Yes, they only sell to vets or laboratories. Good thing I
work for a vet. Only problem is I got the price of the
kit. It is $744 a kit. Each kit contains 480 tests. I don't
have that many chickens, and nowhere near that kind of
cash for a test kit that will go bad within a year.

I found out that A&M will do the test for $15 a chicken, but
it does take blood. Which means hauling my remaining
chickens up to work to have blood drawn next week.

I have got everything that I can think of crossed, hoping
that I get a few negatives so I can continue and not have
to start all over.

Thanks again, threehorses.

 

[threehorses]

Oh good on A&M. Yeah I suspected they'd have a better deal since they're associated with a state ag college. That's much better. Phew!!

I'll cross all my crossables, too - and send prayers, and positive thinking, and all that. I really hope this turns out well for you in the end at least!

Please do let us know how it goes. I know I'll be waiting to hera results with hope in my heart.

 

[VettekLisa]

Well, I just got the results back from A&M.
Every one in my flock tested Positive for Avian Leukosis.

I guess, at this point, I have a bunch of very expensive
pets.
There goes any idea I had of showing, breeding, etc.

I'm starting to think that chickens just aren't for me.

 

[kathyinmo]

I am so sorry for you.

 

[The Sheriff]

I am so sad for you and your flock. I wish I could find something to say to help but I just don't know what it would be. I am so sorry.

Mary

 

[threehorses]

Ohhh Lisa, I'm so sorry.

Thank you for being responsible and testing. Enjoy them as pets, and breed them as show birds anyway - just show us here.

Did you contact the person from whom you got them? They're going to need to know.

 

[VettekLisa]

I have let 2 of the breeders know. One of the other breeders doesn't have any
birds anymore. I haven't informed anyone else yet. I've had chicks from so many
silkie breeders that it's hard to remember who came from which breeder.
Thankfully, I have it written down.

Thank you for all your help. This board has been so helpful and informative.