I have a d'uccle with blood test confirmed mareks. Help!

[Simmiechicks]

Hi, I have a 4-year-old d'Uccle that has been blood test-confirmed with a case of Marek's. He is still eating a lot and drinking well; he can walk around and crow. He started seeming a bit lethargic around three weeks ago and was sleeping midday, but was otherwise normal. A week and a half ago, he started showing dizziness (the only symptom). We immediately took him to our vet, and he started responding well to IV fluids and antibiotics and seemed less lethargic. We thought it was a middle-ear infection. But then beginning of this week, his left ear lost colour, and we tested for Marek's (positive). I have close to 30 chickens, and no others have any symptoms; most of these weren't vaccinated for Marek's. The vet has sent the infected boy home, and we have implemented strict biosecurity rules. We are unsure if the infected boy was vaccinated. He is our newest edition, got him in April of 2025. My only guess as to how they got it is wild birds, as the chickens are free-range. Is there a chance that the infected boys' symptoms could slightly improve or at least not get worse?

 

[Eggcessive]

He could have brought the disease with him as a carrier. Where did he come from? I’m sorry about your diagnosis. How did the vet test him for Mareks? Did your vet send blood to the state vet or to a lab such as Zoologix or RAL? It is passed in the feather dust and dander, so it is probably too late to separate him. The others should be considered carriers as well. Many people here on BYC deal with Mareks in their flocks. Not all chickens die from it, but it would be best to close your flock. You can breed your own birds and hatch new chicks from those who remain healthy. Here are 2 good articles with info on Mareks:
https://vetmedbiosci.colostate.edu/vdl/colorado-avian-health-program/mareks-disease/

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/the-great-big-giant-mareks-disease-faq.66077/

 

[Simmiechicks]

I am in South Africa, but I sent it to an animal lab to be tested. Thank you for the articles will have a read!

 

[Eggcessive]

You’re welcome.