The starting point for better performing birds
Testing caught up birds helps identify any infectious diseases that they may have been exposed to – before they are selected for breeding. This is particularly useful to stop the spread of disease that can be passed from the mother hen to the chick, such as Mycoplasma Gallisepticum.
Minimising disease also means breeding hens will produce more eggs that are of better quality.
When to test
It’s best to test birds when you first start catching up.
What do we test for?
Blood tests focus on three infectious pathogens that we know cause an issue during lay and with chick health – although we can search for other diseases:
- Mycoplasma Gallisepticum (MG)
- Infectious Bronchitis (IB)
- Avian Metapneumovirus (AMPV/TRT)
What we do
- Blood is taken from a proportion of the birds (normally around 60)
- Samples are sent to a lab for analysis
- This looks at the level of antibodies in the blood for specific infectious diseases. These antibodies indicate that the bird has been exposed to that disease. Tests don’t identify recent exposure to disease if there hasn’t been sufficient time for antibodies to develop.
Interpreting the results and vaccinations
Our vets interpret the results and antibody levels and give you a likelihood as to which disease(s) the birds may be harbouring. Based on this you will be given a suggested vaccine plan to protect the hens and their chicks, as they come in to lay.
2025: No cases of Mycoplasma on rearing fields in Scotland
It seems vertical transmission was successfully mitigates in the breeders, with the control programs. This starts with blood testing to get the right foundations in place.
How to arrange
If you’d like to arrange blood testing for your birds, please get in touch with your local practice.
