First, I don't have experience with M's. but yes I understand that even wild birds can spread it and it's typical for younger birds but it can occur in older birds.
There is a thread I just found that speaks to "natural" cure of Mareks.
Here it is:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=135247&p=1
I've recently learned that the vaccine lessens the lesions and keeps them in check but that the Mareks is still there....Read it on BYC and actually asked my vet and he said that's correct. Here's the link for this info:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marek's_disease
I also have heard that new chicks who are vaccinated should be kept in isolated for several weeks away from main flocks.............which makes me wonder....
If the Canadian group you bought might have travelled in the same vehicle/plane with vaccinated chicks and somehow become carriers to your flock....I know that's a long stretch, especially since there are supposed to be those "bio secure" filters, but I think that filter is more for the protection of the USPS worker. I'll keep this thread to watch and again pray for the health of your flock. Are these your Columbian plymouth rocks that are having problems?
Okay here's an interesting perspective regarding vaccination at a later age:
http://www.firststatevetsupply.com/content/view/17/37/
Hope this helps and again, please keep us all informed...Nancy
There is a thread I just found that speaks to "natural" cure of Mareks.
Here it is:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=135247&p=1
I've recently learned that the vaccine lessens the lesions and keeps them in check but that the Mareks is still there....Read it on BYC and actually asked my vet and he said that's correct. Here's the link for this info:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marek's_disease
I also have heard that new chicks who are vaccinated should be kept in isolated for several weeks away from main flocks.............which makes me wonder....
If the Canadian group you bought might have travelled in the same vehicle/plane with vaccinated chicks and somehow become carriers to your flock....I know that's a long stretch, especially since there are supposed to be those "bio secure" filters, but I think that filter is more for the protection of the USPS worker. I'll keep this thread to watch and again pray for the health of your flock. Are these your Columbian plymouth rocks that are having problems?
Okay here's an interesting perspective regarding vaccination at a later age:
http://www.firststatevetsupply.com/content/view/17/37/
Hope this helps and again, please keep us all informed...Nancy
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