Chickens dying suddenly... 3 out of 9 so far. Please advise.

[Jordan Piel]

If they are from a hatchery, it is less likely to be Marek's since you haven't added any new birds. Not saying it definitely isn't because wild birds or even the wind can bring it in, but a little less likely.
In my opinion it is not worth vaccinating them now. Chicks are vaccinated at hatch or even in vitro to give the vaccine a chance to build up some immunity before they are exposed to the virus. There is a school of thought that the vaccine may actually be contributing to the increasing virility of the disease, because it doesn't prevent the disease but mostly just enable the vaccinated birds to survive it, but in doing so, the virus gets the opportunity to mutate.

By the way, the eggs in your fridge should be fine but if you are concerned, then ensuring that they are cooked thoroughly rather than served with a runny yolk should guarantee it.

Thank you I appreciate your insight.

 

[Jordan Piel]

Welcome to BYC and I am very sorry that you have lost 3 youngs birds recently. It can be difficult to pinpoint an exact cause unless you get a necropsy done to look for a cause of illness. If you lose another, I would refrigerate the body in plastic, and take or ship it on ice to your state vet or a poultry lab. Ask for Mareks disease testing along with the usual necropsy. Here is a link to contact information:
http://www.metzerfarms.com/PoultryLabs.cfm
www.usaha.org/menu_item/StateAnimalHealthOfficials.pdf

Thank you! Do you know the typical pricing of a necropsy?

 

[rebrascora]

I'm afraid it varies enormously depending upon where you live. Some state labs or universities do it for free, but may charge for disposal of the carcass afterwards others charge upwards of 100. If you are reasonably competent, you could do one yourself although this will not always guarantee a diagnosis, it can help to confirm Marek's if you find tumours. There are threads here on BYC where we share information and photos of our own DIY necropsies and discuss possible diagnosis.... shared knowledge and experience helps us all learn. There are videos on You Tube that instruct on how to do a necropsy. Having a basic understanding of chicken physiology helps.... like if you have eviscerated chickens for meat etc.... but not essential. It depends how emotionally attached you are to the chickens and how squeamish as to whether this may be an option for you if local necropsy fees are prohibitive.
If you include your location, there may be members of BYC reading this who could advise you of where it can be done locally and how much it will cost. I'm in the UK and there is a veterinary practice here that can supposedly diagnose Marek's via a faecal sample. I'm sceptical of this but it is listed on their website I believe.

 

[Jordan Piel]

Here are pictures of the coop.
We're in Central Texas.

 

[Kiki]

https://tvmdl.tamu.edu/tests/necropsy-poultryhatchery/
$50 necropsy

 

[Eggcessive]

Mareks testing is usually an extra charge or fee in most states. They may suspect Mareks with a simple gross necropsy, but the Mareks testing is done to confirm the disease. They normally examine feather shafts and any tumors found for the pressence of Mareks.

 

[Jordan Piel]

https://tvmdl.tamu.edu/tests/necropsy-poultryhatchery/
$50 necropsy

Thanks!