Can Mareks autopsies be wrong?

[jucat60]

Most of not all necropsied Chickens that have mareks like illness will come back as consistent with mareks
Or
Most likely mareks or avian leukosis
Or something like that
Necropsied are not definitive
Unless
A sample is then sent out for pcr testing
Pcr testing is accurate and the only way to know for sure

But most people don’t do that last step

Thanks

 

[jucat60]

@jucat60
Unless they do tissue or blood testing they cannot say categorically that it is Marek's and to me, there is no point in paying to get a necropsy done if you don't get a definitive result from it. There is usually the option to authorise further testing within a set period, usually 28 days, so I would suggest you enquire with your vet about the cost of that testing and if you can afford it, then get it done. It is better to know what you are dealing with and at the moment you still cannot be sure. Or find out where the necropsy was done and get in touch with them direct to discuss it.
The other 3 chicks might be resistant to Marek's, or they might have been infected but not symptomatic yet, as it can lie dormant for weeks, months or years, or it may not be Marek's, but if your only doubt is because the other chicks are still healthy, then you may be kidding yourself, I'm afraid. I've had Marek's in my flock for 4 years and I've just had a 5 year old bird come down with it earlier this year for the first time..... I have a mild strain where the first outbreak doesn't necessarily kill them. She has fully recovered after months of wobbling.

Thanks

 

[jucat60]

I've lost a lot, probably around 15 or so? I'm so sorry you're going through this! It sucks

That is just so sad you get so attached to them

 

[jucat60]

Thanks for that

 

[jucat60]

Thanks

Thanks it cost $150.00 for a probable result

 

[HuskerHens18]

That is just so sad you get so attached to them

I know, my chickens are my babies.

It cost me around 250$ I think for one complete result. UNL is horribly expensive and they don't even speak with you directly. They ONLY speak to professional veterinarians, so if you have questions, you're out of luck

 

[jucat60]

Here is some reading about Marek's:
http://www.oie.int/fileadmin/Home/eng/Health_standards/tahm/2.03.13_MAREK_DIS.pdf
View attachment 1477211

Thanks so much.

 

[jucat60]

I know, my chickens are my babies.

It cost me around 250$ I think for one complete result. UNL is horribly expensive and they don't even speak with you directly. They ONLY speak to professional veterinarians, so if you have questions, you're out of luck

That is a complete rip off

 

[HuskerHens18]

That is a complete rip off

Yep. I wonder I feel you can send necropsies out of state? That may be more expensive that just sending it local, I've got no idea.

 

[casportpony]

Yep. I wonder I feel you can send necropsies out of state? That may be more expensive that just sending it local, I've got no idea.

Might be worth checking other labs. I think I remember
Reading that Maryland had affordable out of state necropsies.