Can you send blood in to be checked for Mereks disease?

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SoCalChkn1023

SoCalChkn1023

Hatching
May 4, 2016
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0
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I have a 13 week old pullet that isn't acting normal. She walks on her "forearms" instead of her feet. She's eating, drinking and wanting to forage like a normal pullet would...she can even fly a little.
I would like to send her blood out to do a panel and see what's going on.
 
She may be suffering from a riboflavin (vitaminB2) deficiency. That can cause walking on the hocks and curling under of toes. Poultry vitamins (most brands) contain riboflavin. Yes, there is a Mareks PCR test available from several poultry labs including Texas A&M. It costs around $30 according to their website. However, you would need a vet or someone locally to draw the blood, and place it in the right type of lab tube, plus shipping. I would call them to inquire about the specifics. There are ever changing Mareks virus strains, so there could be false negatives.
 
Thank you so much! I'm going to check out UC Davis since it's somewhat local to me. I have her on Chick Boost vitamins and probiotics and popped a E capsule in the water as well. I should go and pick up some B in the meantime.
 

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