I am 90% sure I have Mareks in my Silkies, I haven't had a blood test but have had several symptoms of the different forms. A few years ago I bought some birds from a show, they were from commercial breeders and I thought the birds has been vaccinated. Two of them died within a year, one with a tumour and the other had discolouration of the pupil and eventually blindness.
A few years on and over the last few months I am losing my silkies at an increasing rate, 2 with tumours, 3 with paralysis, although they were eating and the poop looked ok, one was a bit wheezy.
I had one euthanised a week ago as he was in so much distress and lost my favourite boy this morning. Apparently silkies are particularly prone to this disease.
I just wanted to know the likelihood that it's been in my flock for a few years without the symptoms showing.
I wouldn't wish this on anyone and am hoping that just maybe some of my birds have a strong immunity as when they go I decided that I will leave it a few years before restocking.
A few years on and over the last few months I am losing my silkies at an increasing rate, 2 with tumours, 3 with paralysis, although they were eating and the poop looked ok, one was a bit wheezy.
I had one euthanised a week ago as he was in so much distress and lost my favourite boy this morning. Apparently silkies are particularly prone to this disease.
I just wanted to know the likelihood that it's been in my flock for a few years without the symptoms showing.
I wouldn't wish this on anyone and am hoping that just maybe some of my birds have a strong immunity as when they go I decided that I will leave it a few years before restocking.
