Do YOU know it's gender?

[Nambroth]

We put her down... Watching to see if any other hens are infected. Do you know the period of time between 'chicken has mareks' and 'mareks Is killing the chicken', xD if that makes sense? Like th growth period between an infected chicken to an infected flock? Could I sell my birds, still? I don't know FOR SURE if its mareks, but if it is, if I brought in new birds, would they succumb to it? I REALLY hope it wasn't, but we dispatched of her quickly. Is there a way to tell if it was for sure mareks and if we're safe or not? I wanted to get some new layers then sell the extras, but if they have mareks.... /: no one seems to be able to answer my questions

Just saw this! I'm sorry about your hen. Did you already bury her/dispose of her? Can you consider a necropsy? I wrote about how to do this in the other thread. It would answer your questions.

If you think you might have Marek's, it would be immensely irresponsible to sell any birds until you know for sure. You could be spreading the disease and killing other people's birds. It's very hard to know if it was Marek's unless a necropsy or testing is done, though. Other problems can look like Marek's.

If you brought in new birds that were not vaccinated as day-old chicks, and you do have Marek's, they could succumb to it. It's really a crapshoot, sadly... you could lose all, or just some, or none.
I answered this recently, in case it can help you: https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/810874/life-after-mareks#post_11753806

 

[CochinBrahmaLover]

No, I meant if she had mareks, but no one else 'caught' it, could I sell or would I be transferring mareks positive birds, just not birds that are sick due to it.


If it was mareks it was nureo mareks.
Yes, recovering the body could be easily done ( the guy who helped me said we should put her in a box and hide her in this old house that's gonna be torn down, 'it'll be the mystery of the north!!' )
How would I go about vaccinating, if it is, mareks? We're ordering some new chicks, I'm getting the mareks vaccination this time, but they'd still be carriers, right?

 

[Nambroth]

No, I meant if she had mareks, but no one else 'caught' it, could I sell or would I be transferring mareks positive birds, just not birds that are sick due to it.


If it was mareks it was nureo mareks.
Yes, recovering the body could be easily done ( the guy who helped me said we should put her in a box and hide her in this old house that's gonna be torn down,

'it'll be the mystery of the north!!' )
How would I go about vaccinating, if it is, mareks? We're ordering some new chicks, I'm getting the mareks vaccination this time, but they'd still be carriers, right?

If your hen tests positive-- then ff the chickens you are planning on selling were with her, or have been in any area that she's been in.. or if you wore the same clothes to take care of them both (etc etc) then you can assume that ALL Of those birds are Marek's positive. Generally, most of us assume that once Marek's is on our property, ALL birds are carriers. They might never show symptoms but can spread the disease.

Chicks must be vaccinated within 24-26 hours of hatch with Marek's vaccination. The vaccine I think is only good within an hour or two of activating it (I'd have to double check). Then the chicks must be kept in a Marek's free environment for at least 6 weeks-- more if you can-- to build resistance. The vaccine is not 100% foolproof to work. It also depends on what serotype of Marek's you have (if any!). But it gives the best chance.

If you can, get your diseased hen (RIP) refrigerated ASAP and then get her in for testing within two days.

These are all "IFs".. if your hen tests positive. I hope she does not!

 

[CochinBrahmaLover]

Ill get her cooled ASAP.. Do I send her to a vet?

 

[Nambroth]

Some vets can do an avian necropsy, some won't/don't know what they are looking for. Better is your state's extension office. I'd call these folks, explain that you lost a bird and suspect infectious disease (Marek's) and ask if they have any necropsy or testing services. This might be cheaper than a vet, too. If they don't, maybe they can direct you.

Cooperative Extension Service

308 Tanana Loop, Room 101
P.O. Box 756180
Fairbanks, Alaska 99775-6180

Phone: 907-474-5211
Fax: 907-474-2631
e-mail: [email protected]


In a last ditch effort, you can attempt to open her and explore for tumors. This is a very personal choice, of course, and could very easily be inconclusive.

 

[CochinBrahmaLover]

Thank you, I called and they didnt pick up though
It sounds like they have 2 avian vets, just out town.

 

[Nambroth]

They may be closed for the weekend.. not sure. Best wishes to you no matter what happens!