Chicken Can't stand, mareks?

[ryeanchickens]

I have a bird that recently became unable to walk. he's alert, he can eat and drink. he can also still move his legs and head but he doesnt flap his wings. this was really sudden and he wasnt showing any previous symptoms. we had another bird last week die with no symptoms, not even the paralysis. we will probably humanely put him down because he hasn't been improving and I wouldn't want him to suffer. can this spread to the other birds? how could I treat? he was free ranging near horses and sheep but no other bird has ever been injured. I will answer as many questions as I can to help get to the bottom of this if I missed anything. thank you in advance!

 

[Eggcessive]

Welcome to BYC. Sorry about your recent loss, and about your sick rooster. It looks like Mareks disease, but that is best confirmed through a necropsy by your state poultry vet after death. The body should be kept cool and sent right away to them. Here is a list of state vets in the US:
https://www.metzerfarms.com/PoultryLabs.cfm

Here is a good article all about Mareks disease:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/the-great-big-giant-mareks-disease-faq.66077/

Have you added any new chickens to your flock in recent weeks or months? Have you checked your feed to smell it and look for mold? Pesticides and other poisons can cause neurological symptoms that may look like Mareks. You could try to place him in a chicken sling so that he is upright and in front of food and water while trying to nurse him, but I would agree that he should not suffer. Here is a list of chicken slings that are easy to make:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/versions-of-chick-chairs-please.1166308/