Do you vaccinate for marek's? Why or why not?

[kyeschicks]

Just wanting to hear opinions. I want to vaccine my chicks, but upon some research here, I found that it might not be a good idea. Just want everyone's input. Thanks

 

[CluckerFamily]

When I purchase chicks from the local co-op, the chicks are vaccinated.
When I hatch my own, I don’t vaccinate them.
I live across from a marsh and I have lots of mosquitoes that would come into my yard if I didn’t use plants that naturally repel mosquitoes.

 

[Myrshine]

No as I have no reason to.

 

[coach723]

Many people buy vaccinated chicks but do not vaccinate those they hatch at home. Vaccinating at home can be problematic. The single vial contains 1000 to 5000 doses and is good for about 2 hours once mixed, so remainder has to be discarded. Chicks have to be vaccinated at 1 day old and not exposed to the virus for at least a week, some sources say longer.
There is concern that the vaccine may actually be making the virus worse since it's considered a 'leaky' vaccine. It prevents the birds from developing the tumors associated with Marek's, but does not prevent the birds from being infected with the virus, and they carry it and still pass it to others. There are those that think it's a better solution to breed for resistance rather than vaccinate, and they simply cull birds that show symptoms.
This is a complicated subject and I don't think there is any single right answer that covers everyone. Those that have had a nasty strain in their flock and don't want to lose more birds, I understand why they vaccinate. I also understand the concerns on the other side who have concerns about the vaccine.
Some articles:
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/science/tthis-chicken-vaccine-makes-virus-dangerous
https://backyardpoultry.iamcountrys...inister-the-mareks-vaccine-to-poultry-chicks/
These ones are more technical, but good if you like that:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3863959/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15757475/