6 month old hen- mareks??

[brookejre]

Is it possible to have your chicks make it thru being exposed to mareks just to succumb to it once they reach the age to lay? All the other chickens are about the same age and this one suddenly can't walk around anymore. Her right foot has no response and no resistance when you mess with it.

 

[realsis]

As I understand it just because they were exposed does not mean they will become sick. However even though not sick I believe they can still be carriers of the disease even without them having any symptoms. This is just how I understand it. I'm not 100% sure of this and if I'm incorrect I'm sure someone more expirenced in Marek's disease will correct me. But I've had close friends with mareks outbreaks and not all her birds became sick. some were sick some not.but I'm thinking once exposed sick or not they are carriers. If I'm wrong here someone please correct me.