Help with Mareks— introducing new members to the flock

[Marshaharrell]

We have about 40 chickens in three connected yards. We had several sudden deaths last spring through summer and on having the last one necropsied, discovered it had Mareks. It seems to have run its course. I have read that chickens exposed to Mareks either die or their body becomes immune. I’ve also read that if they are immune, their Chicks will be immune. Not sure if either of these things are accurate, but the rest of our flock has been healthy and the five chicks born to two hens are all over 6 months and all have been fine.

Anyway, we would like to add some more hens to our flock. Should we be safe if we get ones that are vaccinated against Mareks? I know that if we get vaccinated chicks, we need to isolate them for two weeks to let the vaccine take hold.

Any advice or suggestions are welcome and appreciated.

 

[Eggcessive]

@rebrascora is quite good at helping with Mareks disease. Mareks remains in your environment from months to years. All surviving birds are corriers for life. Some breeds seem to have more immunity to the disease than others. Also you may want to do some reading:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/the-great-big-giant-mareks-disease-faq.66077/