Anyone have experience dealing with Marek's?

[Saaniya]

I have a 4 year old buff Orpington rooster that showed up as a stray 3 years ago. So I'm thinking he is 4 now. He has Always been a healthy chicken, but accident prone to leg injuries. But I'm worried im dealing with Marek's now. Today he can't walk, I did see him stand up once. He also made it into the coop tonight. He is my pet and I'm devastated. I've called specialist at a university and she said it's not common for an adult that age to get Marek's but it's not to be ruled out. How can I care for him, make him comfortable and feed and watered and when to know when I should have him put down? I looked him over last night looked great but he did flinch over one section of his leg I touched. But when I watch videos of Marek's he looks just like those chickens. I'm just so confused. Thanks....

Never get confused with markes I'm studying veterinary
There are always some symptoms in any disease 1st & most important is no growth and pale bird will rather don't live longer then year if he has infection running in his blood cause it spread
If ever u encounter with Marek's or added new elder chickens only worry then or u live near any farm


If ur chickens Healthy no worres and 5 years is a big age to get leg injury due to weight and bones get weaker by the time never worry about Marek's I know it's a big nightmare for anyone even.i always scared to read such things

 

[Eggcessive]

Vitamins including riboflavin are what I would use. A poulry vitamin or 1/2 of a vitamin B complex tablet crushed into food. Do not use Poultry NutriDrench, as it does not contain riboflavin.

A crate might help if you are not going to constantly be there with him, making sure he eats and drinks. Many times the other chickens can befin attacking a chicken who appears ill or limping. Just use your judgement.

I had mentioned @rebrascora who also has Mareks, and has been dealing with it for over 4 years. She has had a few recover from lameness. She may check in here with info. But I will tell you that most poultry textbooks say that is rare for one to recover after being paralyzed. They can later develop tumors in organs.

I know it is hard to know what to do, but I would just take it day to day. If you lose him, get a necropsy. In fact, I would contact your state vet soon to find out how to ship, the costs, and other information. That way you will be prepared. The best way to get a diagnosis for Mareks is after death with a necropsy. There are labs that might test his blood or a feather, but I would be afraid that a lot of money would be spent on tests that might give you a false negative. Necropsies can be very affordable in some states, but you will need to contact them. Here is the list of state vets and labs:
http://www.metzerfarms.com/PoultryLabs.cfm

 

[centrarchid]

Vitamins including riboflavin are what I would use. A poulry vitamin or 1/2 of a vitamin B complex tablet crushed into food. Do not use Poultry NutriDrench, as it does not contain riboflavin.

A crate might help if you are not going to constantly be there with him, making sure he eats and drinks. Many times the other chickens can befin attacking a chicken who appears ill or limping. Just use your judgement.

I had mentioned @rebrascora who also has Mareks, and has been dealing with it for over 4 years. She has had a few recover from lameness. She may check in here with info. But I will tell you that most poultry textbooks say that is rare for one to recover after being paralyzed. They can later develop tumors in organs.

I know it is hard to know what to do, but I would just take it day to day. If you lose him, get a necropsy. In fact, I would contact your state vet soon to find out how to ship, the costs, and other information. That way you will be prepared. The best way to get a diagnosis for Mareks is after death with a necropsy. There are labs that might test his blood or a feather, but I would be afraid that a lot of money would be spent on tests that might give you a false negative. Necropsies can be very affordable in some states, but you will need to contact them. Here is the list of state vets and labs:
http://www.metzerfarms.com/PoultryLabs.cfm

I am chasing down an analytical lab that can test for Marek's in Missouri. Site linked above cannot do it although the University of Missouri likely can. I am going to setup for it assuming cost is not too high. What I really want to do is send them a songbird or two, but might have feds coming after me for that. The songbirds I am pretty sure are my seasonal reservoir for the pathogen.

 

[centrarchid]

@shannon84,

Are you close to West Lafayette, IN? Purdue U. may have diagnostic capabilities with respect to Marek's.

 

[shannon84]

Vitamins including riboflavin are what I would use. A poulry vitamin or 1/2 of a vitamin B complex tablet crushed into food. Do not use Poultry NutriDrench, as it does not contain riboflavin.

A crate might help if you are not going to constantly be there with him, making sure he eats and drinks. Many times the other chickens can befin attacking a chicken who appears ill or limping. Just use your judgement.

I had mentioned @rebrascora who also has Mareks, and has been dealing with it for over 4 years. She has had a few recover from lameness. She may check in here with info. But I will tell you that most poultry textbooks say that is rare for one to recover after being paralyzed. They can later develop tumors in organs.

I know it is hard to know what to do, but I would just take it day to day. If you lose him, get a necropsy. In fact, I would contact your state vet soon to find out how to ship, the costs, and other information. That way you will be prepared. The best way to get a diagnosis for Mareks is after death with a necropsy. There are labs that might test his blood or a feather, but I would be afraid that a lot of money would be spent on tests that might give you a false negative. Necropsies can be very affordable in some states, but you will need to contact them. Here is the list of state vets and labs:
http://www.metzerfarms.com/PoultryLabs.cfm

He is up and wanting to eat, I'm going to the store now. He won't let me near him and when I upset him it seems to make him worse? I tried to give him blueberries and he jumped back and of course fell. So I through a bunch at his feet and he got two in him. I propped up water level to him. When I get back from the store I'm going to try to work with him. It's a rainy windy day here. The girls are keeping their distance from him because they are scared to get hit in the head with his wings. He is very alert when I say his name and looks at me and listens . Thank you for that link!!! Should I get electrolytes?

 

[Eggcessive]

No electrolytes unless he is not eating and drinking. If you use electrolytes, stop after a couple of days, since they can cause diarrhea with prolonged use.

 

[shannon84]

@shannon84,

Are you close to West Lafayette, IN? Purdue U. may have diagnostic capabilities with respect to Marek's.

I actually called Purdue yesterday and spoke to a specialist. She thought it was maybe more like an injury or age related illness. But said it very well could still be Marek's. She wants me to shine a flash light in his eyes to see if they change shapes. She asked me to send her a video to their email too.

 

[casportpony]

I actually called Purdue yesterday and spoke to a specialist. She thought it was maybe more like an injury or age related illness. But said it very well could still be Marek's. She wants me to shine a flash light in his eyes to see if they change shapes. She asked me to send her a video to their email too.

Can you post some pictures of his eyes?

 

[shannon84]

I am chasing down an analytical lab that can test for Marek's in Missouri. Site linked above cannot do it although the University of Missouri likely can. I am going to setup for it assuming cost is not too high. What I really want to do is send them a songbird or two, but might have feds coming after me for that. The songbirds I am pretty sure are my seasonal reservoir for the pathogen.

I think she said they could, not sure though. My brain is so scattered ugh. I wonder if thats my problem too! Tons of birds eat off a cherry tree that's right over his living area

 

[shannon84]

Can you post some pictures of his eyes?

Yes! His hair on his head is fluffed up. He didn't crow this morning. He seems scared and confused about what's going on with him. Poor guy