Can you eat birds that have Marek's?

[Panth]

I have a suspicion that a few of my latest batch of chickens have Marek's. These are all roosters that I planned to butcher in about a week. Should I simply cull them, or is it safe to use them for eating?

 

[TallChickMagnet]

I don't know if you "could", but I wouldn't just based on personal fear.

 

[myfinefeatheredfriends]

I agree completely ^^

 

[Panth]

Does anyone know if this disease can be dangerous for humans? From what I understand...I have been doing intensive research...most adult birds in a flock with Mareks even if they aren't showing symptoms will be "carriers" for the disease. Am I understanding this correctly? So technically, even birds that look perfectly healthy could have a form of it. So, how would one know if they were eating birds that had it?

 

[TallChickMagnet]

Does anyone know if this disease can be dangerous for humans? From what I understand...I have been doing intensive research...most adult birds in a flock with Mareks even if they aren't showing symptoms will be "carriers" for the disease. Am I understanding this correctly? So technically, even birds that look perfectly healthy could have a form of it. So, how would one know if they were eating birds that had it?

Ignorance is bliss.

 

[Panth]

Ignorance is bliss.

LOL I understand that sentiment completely. I have been reading more about this all night, and from what I understand after this further research:

Marek's is NOT transferable to humans in any way...however, if you do notice tumors on the inside of your meat birds, you should not eat them, nor should you slaughter any bird that has been innoculated against Marek's for at least 14 days afterward.

Bleach does NOT kill Marek's so it does not work as a disinfectant in your brooder box or coop...it is much more effective to use Oxine.

Although the vaccine is live - chicks that have been innoculated will NOT be shedding the live virus.

I did go ahead and purchase some vaccine from Twin City Poultry and hope to be able to split the virus tablet into 4 parts to use in smaller doses - I would love to hear more feedback from anyone who is familiar with this process.

You CAN vaccinate older birds, although the vaccination does not work the same in birds that already have the disease there is some evidence that it will minimalize the tumor growth. Although it is best to innoculate chicks within the first day after hatching - it is possible to still do it to older chicks that haven't been in contact with any older birds that have the disease.

There IS some evidence that re-innoculation after several weeks DOES help the birds immune system further fight the disease.

All this to say, personally, I bought the vaccine and plan on vaccinating all the new chicks in my incubator right now as well as all the older birds with no symptoms in my current flock. I also bought a gallon of Oxine and plan on cleaning my coop and brooder and all surrounding areas. (From what I have read...you actually can use Oxine in breathable form to help other problems.) Hopefully this will help with my own problems and possibly help others.