Dystonia Symptoms.

[Hen Pen Jem]

Victoria,

I am profoundly sorry about the death of your rooster. Especially because you have been told it was Marek's, as this is worrisome information for any chicken keeper.

But, I am curious...did the Vet do a necropsy? There are blood tests for Marek's, but only a necropsy can tell you for sure if your rooster died from Marek's. While a chicken vaccinated for Marek's can get sick, they rarely die from the disease.

The virus is spread by the dander and dust from chickens and by insects. Winds carry the virus too, because of its unique ability to survive outside of the body. So, I don't think any chicken on the planet is completely safe from this virus. From what I have read, the disease can take anywhere from 3 to 25 weeks before showing any symptoms in a chicken.

The best thing a keeper can do for their chickens, is to keep them strong and healthy. Feed them well, boost their immune systems with the addition of herbs like Echinacea, or Aloe Vera in the water. Fresh greens, purple/blue fruits and a bit of meat, fish or egg protein. Disease fighting antibodies are made from protein, so this is a good addition to the diet during times of stress, like harsh weather, predator scares, or during re-homing.
Also, keeping a peaceful environment for your birds, is beneficial.

These are my thoughts on Marek's disease; I hope I was helpful.

God Bless and peace to you.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I'm very sorry to hear you lost him.

Marek's can last in the environment for several years.

I do understand your concerns about your other chickens. They were exposed, but may never become symptomatic. During times of stress like molting and as they age or even develop and underlying condition, it's possible for them to become ill. I know that's not the answer you want to hear, but there's no way to know if they will get sick or not.
I recommend that you read this article, it's very informative and covers a lot of your questions. http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/the-great-big-giant-mareks-disease-faq

While a chicken vaccinated for Marek's can get sick, they rarely die from the disease.

fwiw - Sadly, chickens that have been vaccinated for Marek's die all the time. Vaccination only prevents the formation of tumors, it does not prevent infection from the virus.

 

[ChickNanny13]

Sorry for your loss

 

[Victoria Thompson]

Victoria,

I am profoundly sorry about the death of your rooster. Especially because you have been told it was Marek's, as this is worrisome information for any chicken keeper.

But, I am curious...did the Vet do a necropsy? There are blood tests for Marek's, but only a necropsy can tell you for sure if your rooster died from Marek's. While a chicken vaccinated for Marek's can get sick, they rarely die from the disease.

The virus is spread by the dander and dust from chickens and by insects. Winds carry the virus too, because of its unique ability to survive outside of the body. So, I don't think any chicken on the planet is completely safe from this virus. From what I have read, the disease can take anywhere from 3 to 25 weeks before showing any symptoms in a chicken.

The best thing a keeper can do for their chickens, is to keep them strong and healthy. Feed them well, boost their immune systems with the addition of herbs like Echinacea, or Aloe Vera in the water. Fresh greens, purple/blue fruits and a bit of meat, fish or egg protein. Disease fighting antibodies are made from protein, so this is a good addition to the diet during times of stress, like harsh weather, predator scares, or during re-homing.
Also, keeping a peaceful environment for your birds, is beneficial.

These are my thoughts on Marek's disease; I hope I was helpful.

God Bless and peace to you.

Thank you. Necropsy done. 2 more with paralysis setting in on right leg. My 2 favorite hens show no signs yet so they are in the house to observe. Emptying that chickenhouse to apply apple cider vinegar ceiling to floor which is tile like a patio. Will put these 2 in the other chickenhouse if they appear OK. & Hoping the other chickenhouse didn't catch a wind from the other one. 100 ft apart. Amping up vitamins, proteins & immune boosters. Praying over them all. Losing 14, hoping to save 17.

 

[Victoria Thompson]

Any mouse or rat bait stations in your yard? If so, it may be possible that the poison is being transported out of the stations and cached where your birds can get it, or perhaps he even ate a poisoned mouse.

Were his toes always curled at the distal ends?

 

[Victoria Thompson]

Any mouse or rat bait stations in your yard? If so, it may be possible that the poison is being transported out of the stations and cached where your birds can get it, or perhaps he even ate a poisoned mouse.

Were his toes always curled at the distal ends?

 

[Victoria Thompson]

I was thinking it may have had something to do with the rats because we had a sudden influx. Put it in traps inside the feed room. Rats would have had to take it in the chickenhouse. Could have as occasionally find one dead under feed trough. But necropsy said Marek's. I thought it was ratproof but they came up under the heavy tiles. Speaking of which, patio tiles are porous, do you think the apple cider vinegar is enough to disinfect the tiles, walls, nesting boxes?

 

[lazy gardener]

I would not use ACV on concrete tiles, It would most likely cause them to break down. BTW, rats can chew through concrete. Especially the paving tiles which are more porous than the construction grade concrete.

I can't answer you regarding sterilization of the environment where Marek's dz. is concerned. I'd contact your county Ag. Extension agent and ask about how to clean the environment after Marek's infection. It's feather and dander borne. (most likely other means of infection as well??)

 

[Wyorp Rock]

2 more with paralysis setting in on right leg.

Emptying that chickenhouse to apply apple cider vinegar ceiling to floor which is tile like a patio.

I'm so sorry to hear that you have more that are becoming sick.

You may want to look into either Oxine or Virkon S for disinfecting.

 

[Victoria Thompson]

View attachment 1245686 My chickens are raised like this in a large chicken house and I hose the floor every day. They have heat and air for the harsh times

Do you see this photo? How would you suggest disinfecting?