Mycoplasma Gallisepticum

[azygous]

Yes, bringing in a new adult chicken or baby chicks into your flock means they will be exposed and carry the virus, but it doesn't mean it's absolutely certain they will ever be symptomatic.

As I pointed out, with good care, your chickens can be as healthy as any flock not carrying a virus in their cells.

You do, however, need to be very mindful that carelessness with bio-security can mean exporting the virus to other flocks. Yours isn't nearly as vicious and tenacious as the one my flock carries. But if you don't remember to take measures with foot wear and visitors, the virus can walk away on the soles of shoes, leaving virus along the way for others, possibly someone with chickens, to pick up on their shoes and walk it back to their flock. I think this is how the virus got to my flock.

 

[Folly's place]

Rather than wonder what's wrong, get your birds tested, have answers, and then make a plan. It might mean culling all your birds and starting over, or not, but find out!
Mary

 

[micstrachan]

I meant to ask you, is PCR a test you can get online?
Tried looking it up and not sure I found it

PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) is a test that requires specialized equipment and an expensive enzyme. You would need to send the sample in and have it done in a proper lab.

 

[Folly's place]

Your state veterinary lab should be able to run these tests; look them up online, or call tomorrow.
Mary

 

[FlyingNunFarm]

http://www.vetdna.com/

Will do real time PCR for MG. You can call them and ask questions. Super helpful folks.

Think the test is $20 so worth it if you ask me.

And right in Texas! You could have answers by the end of the week.

 

[micstrachan]

http://www.vetdna.com/

Will do real time PCR for MG. You can call them and ask questions. Super helpful folks.

Think the test is $20 so worth it if you ask me.

And right in Texas! You could have answers by the end of the week.

That's amazing! A real time PCR test for $20! It's been almost twenty years since I was a PCR specialist and I'm so happy to see it utilized in a cost-effective manner!

 

[FlyingNunFarm]

That's amazing! A real time PCR test for $20! It's been almost twenty years since I was a PCR specialist and I'm so happy to see it utilized in a cost-effective manner!

In Ohio everything you would want done at the state lab must be sent through a vet. So on top of state lab fees you have the expense of a vet added.
That lab was recommended by another BYCer and I called to get some info. Answered the phone right away. Answered my questions and didn't make me feel stupid for asking or like I was bothering them.
In collecting samples myself to send.

 

[Eggcessive]

Here is another company that does PCR testing.

https://zoologix.com/avian/index.htm

I have never used it, but it certainly helps to know that you can find testing from 2 different labs. Let us know how your experience goes if you get it done. It helps others to know how to go about this.

 

[Chickenheadmate]

Thanks everyone! I'll try to get to it today.