When chicken dies of unknown causes

[FrankHomestead]

Looks as though they are correct.
Mycoplasma Gallisepticum

Caused by a mycoplasma bacteria and spreads quickly through a flock. Stress can bring on an outbreak. Bringing in younger birds to add to a flock of carriers can also trigger an outbreak.

How is it Spread – M.G. is often spread by bringing in new birds for the flock, adding bird that is a carrier to your flock. It can also be spread by wild birds and can be carried in hatching eggs. It can be carried in on shoes and clothing too.

Symptoms – Mostly a respiratory issue, starting with mucus in the eyes, cough, labored breathing and raspiness. Birds rapidly decline and if they recover will be carriers and may relapse from time to time.

Natural Course of Action – An all in all out management. Getting rid of the entire flock and waiting two weeks after disinfecting the entire environment. Mycoplasma bacteria do not live long without a host. It is not known to be transmitted to humans. The best prevention is use of probiotics for immune health, and good bio security practices.

 

[Folly's place]

You can have your birds tested for Mycoplsma; check with your veterinarian, or your state (provence) veterinary path lab. If positive for M. gallisepticum or M. synoviae, the only solution is to cull all birds, clean, and wait three weeks to restock, with clean birds. It's one of the many reasons that biosecurity is so important!!! Mary