yes, I understand. I do have a question. If indeed it travels in the wind via (dander?) how far does that really take it? Not literally, as no one can really answer that, however if this is true, then why doesn't the entire community have it on their property?
It is also transported by wild birds I believe.
So, if this is all true, and I believe it is. Then it's not a matter of if your flock gets it, instead it's when your flock gets it.
In fact if you check any floc of backyard chicken they most certainly will be positive for MDV (Marek's virus) as for Coccidia and Worms.....
The different between having the Pathogen and the appearing of the disease is depend solely on the efficient of the immune system! And that is depended mainly on the stress levels of the chicken.
Over crowding, to much changing in coop and flock, extreme elements, reaching point of laying, ect=higer level of stress=more stress hormones excreted in the chickens, especially Cortisol= deficiency of the immune system = disease outbreak!
There is an example from humans that show this very good , the Herpes simplex 1 (which is a cousin of the MDV!) infect almost 100% of the human population
And it express itself as wounds and blisters on the lips in almost 40% of people.
If that is true way not 100% and 100% of time?
That because the differentness between the immune system efficiency between people. And in this 40% it only shows after a stressful incident, like heat disease, long sun exposer, some stressful time ect.



