Getting the Mereks vaccine or not????

[beachnutx6]

I have a flock of 8 chickens that were vaccinated. I have an opportunity to get a couple more but they will not be vaccinated. They will be babies coming from a hatchery like my others, but I'm getting them from the local feed store Southern States and they are not paying the extra dollars to do it. Will I be taking a chance? Obviously my babies will be seperated for at least 8 weeks from my older birds, but I didn't know if it was something that would develop later on? I live in VA., and I don't know how common the disease is here. Any advice?

 

[Sambi89]

have 13 babies and 8 adults none are vaccinated for mereks but it's really uncommon in utah. I am sort of a hippie and read about breeding against it and found that a lot. My advice would be go with your gut. Maybe ask locally if anyone's had issues.

 

[beachnutx6]

Ok, so I guess the question should be, how common is Merek's disease in Virginia?? Does anyone know?

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome! Marek's disease is common in many places, and vaccinated chicks are definitely safer. BIOSECURITY!!! If you are vigilant about chick additions, limit visitors, wash everything after going to poultry shows, etc, and are blessed with no near chicken- keeping neighbors, you might be able to avoid it. If you get unvaccinated birds, they will let you know if Marek's arrives at your place (they will get sick). I have both vaccinated and unvaccinated birds, have been paranoid about biosecurity, necropsy every unexpected death here, and so far have avoided it.

Mary