Chickens and Ducks dying!

[Welshies]

A predator maybe? Did they just drop dead out of nowhere? No squirrel like tracks?

 

[casportpony]

Welcome to BYC and sorry for your losses. What state do you live in?

 

[EmilyduckTrip]

Okay so I looked into mareks and I think that is what it is sadly the reality is that most likely my chickens will all die BUT, it is winter her in Maryland and it has been between 5 to 35 degrees and I know bacteria will die when it gets really cold so shouldn't the disease stop spreading?

 

[EmilyduckTrip]

A predator maybe? Did they just drop dead out of nowhere? No squirrel like tracks?

No I dont think so no tracks.

 

[rebrascora]

If you brought in new chickens a couple of months ago, then it is unfortunately possible that it may be a "hot" strain of Marek's after all. The paralysed leg is one of the more classic symptoms of the disease and to kill so many in such a short space of time, it must be a virulent strain. That doesn't account for the ducks and goat though.
I'm so very sorry that you are having such a rough time of it, especially at this time of year. You must be heart broken!

 

[drumstick diva]

Sorry I don't have that knowledge re: cold temps and Mareks. You could post your question on one of the Mareks threads where someone would know a lot about the disease. Are you animals over crowded where the disease could spread from warm body to another?

 

[EmilyduckTrip]

If you brought in new chickens a couple of months ago, then it is unfortunately possible that it may be a "hot" strain of Marek's after all. The paralysed leg is one of the more classic symptoms of the disease and to kill so many in such a short space of time, it must be a virulent strain. That doesn't account for the ducks and goat though.
I'm so very sorry that you are having such a rough time of it, especially at this time of year. You must be heart broken!

Yes I am heartbroken, do you have any clue if any other anim

Sorry I don't have that knowledge re: cold temps and Mareks. You could post your question on one of the Mareks threads where someone would know a lot about the disease. Are you animals over crowded where the disease could spread from warm body to another?

My animals are not too over crowded but they do huddle up to stay warm in the winter.

 

[CapricornFarm]

Okay so I looked into mareks and I think that is what it is sadly the reality is that most likely my chickens will all die BUT, it is winter her in Maryland and it has been between 5 to 35 degrees and I know bacteria will die when it gets really cold so shouldn't the disease stop spreading?

A virus is really hard to kill. The disease spreads on skin or other material the birds shed naturally. It gets into the soil. I do not think ducks can contract Mereks. Your birds will not necessarily die from the disease but will always be carriers.
I am no expert on it, still learning. Your animals could also be suffering from Coccidiosis. All of those animals can and do contract that. If they were my animals, i would treat with Corid asap! Even the goats can get it. Any diarrhea, listlessness, droopy winged birds?

 

[rebrascora]

Marek's virus spreads via infected dander dust which is inhaled by other birds. Winter time probably makes it more contagious because the birds are in doors together more often. There is usually a stressor that triggers an outbreak.... perhaps the cold spell. The disease is viral and I'm really not sure about how cold it would need to be to kill it off. I have the idea in my head that viruses may be hardier than bacteria, but I can't back that up with any science. I know that it can lie dormant for several months even after the flock has been culled. It is by no means certain that it will wipe your whole flock out though and you might be best breeding from the survivors that have shown some resistance to it than trying to eradicate it from your property.

 

[rjohns39]

Hi and welcome to BYC We're so happy you've decided to join us I'm so sorry for the circumstances