I have some questions about Marek's disease and Laryngotracheitis and their vaccines.

[cochins1088]

I contacted the next best breeder that I could think off and he offered me a gorgeous pair. I than asked him if he uses any vaccinations and he replied laryngotracheitis and mareks.

One is in New York, the other breeder is here in Minnesota.

From what I read, I got the impression that the laryngotrachetis vaccine wasn't very common, but 2 breeders in a row? I'm starting to run out of options. I'm going to ask them why they choose to vaccinate for this.

 

[ozexpat]

I contacted the next best breeder that I could think off and he offered me a gorgeous pair. I than asked him if he uses any vaccinations and he replied laryngotracheitis and mareks.

One is in New York, the other breeder is here in Minnesota.

From what I read, I got the impression that the laryngotrachetis vaccine wasn't very common, but 2 breeders in a row? I'm starting to run out of options. I'm going to ask them why they choose to vaccinate for this.

i would love to hear their response

 

[cochins1088]

i would love to hear their response

I just sent out the emails. We'll see how they respond. I respect both breeders, but I don't understand the use of this vaccine.


I had a bit a spare time so I researched once again. Nearly every site warns about the dangers of keeping laryngotracheitis vaccinated birds with unvaccinated birds. Especially when using the CEO vaccine.

Here's another potential source: http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/livestock/poultry/facts/ilt.htm

 

[cochins1088]

The following is from here: http://www.agriculture.state.pa.us/.../Infectious Laryngotracheitis Virus Facts.pdf

The TCO vaccine is only given by eyedrop and does not spread significantly or revert to virulence and is therefore a very safe vaccine to use for show birds.

 

[cochins1088]

From now on, I will refer to the breeders as breeder 1 and breeder 2 for simplicity and privacy.

Here's what breeder 2 said, "Most serious breeders vaccinate for it. In my area, sparrows and other wild birds can carry it and I would rather be safe then sorry. Also anyone who shows takes the chance exposing their birds so I vaccinate."

Breeder number 1 said, "I use the tissue culture because it's not suppose to shed to other birds!" I had asked which version he used and why. He didn't answer why he vaccinates for it, but I assume because of the risk of exposure at shows.

I also contacted a third breeder that I know got some of his original stock from breeder 1. I'm waiting for his permission to share his response.



Breeder 1's birds are most likely safer than breeder 2's birds because breeder 1 uses the TCO version while breeder 2 uses the CEO version.

 

[ozexpat]

From now on, I will refer to the breeders as breeder 1 and breeder 2 for simplicity and privacy.

Here's what breeder 2 said, "Most serious breeders vaccinate for it. In my area, sparrows and other wild birds can carry it and I would rather be safe then sorry. Also anyone who shows takes the chance exposing their birds so I vaccinate."

Breeder number 1 said, "I use the tissue culture because it's not suppose to shed to other birds!" I had asked which version he used and why. He didn't answer why he vaccinates for it, but I assume because of the risk of exposure at shows.

I also contacted a third breeder that I know got some of his original stock from breeder 1. I'm waiting for his permission to share his response.



Breeder 1's birds are most likely safer than breeder 2's birds because breeder 1 uses the TCO version while breeder 2 uses the CEO version.

i wonder why they dont vaccinate for newcastle disease or fowl pox if thats the case. i would imagine pox lesions would reduce the chances of a blue ribbon

 

[cochins1088]

i wonder why they dont vaccinate for newcastle disease or fowl pox if thats the case. i would imagine pox lesions would reduce the chances of a blue ribbon

I agree about the fowl pox.

When I begin showing (hopefully next year), I will not show my absolute best birds. Those I will keep for myself for the following years breeding.

My plan is to show the second best birds and to sell them immediately after the show. I'd like to have the experience of showing, but I don't want to risk the potential exposure to my flock.

 

[cochins1088]

Here's a part of the response that the third breeder sent me:

"I do not vaccinate but have considered doing it and decided not to. Breeder 1 has some of the best birds in the country. His birds would be from many generations of birds raised with vaccinations and never having had Mareks. I never worry about buying a bird from Breeder 1. I have never had a negative in my flock when I introduced new birds. My birds are next to his at shows such as the Iowa State fair for days and mine don't get sick.

I have never bought a bird from Breeder 2, but he is getting some from me this month. I would not worry about his birds either. My thoughts are to quarantine for 3 weeks before introducing them into the flock.

I know I did not answer your question. The reason is I don't know the answer. I know I trust those men."

 

[cochins1088]

The third breeder didn't have any problems with breeder 1's birds being kept with his unvaccinated birds. His unvaccinated birds have also sat side by side with breeder number 1's birds without any issues.
Oz, based on this response as well as what we have learned about the TCO version of the vaccine, do you feel that it's fairly safe to purchase birds from breeder 1?

 

[ozexpat]

The third breeder didn't have any problems with breeder 1's birds being kept with his unvaccinated birds. His unvaccinated birds have also sat side by side with breeder number 1's birds without any issues.
Oz, based on this response as well as what we have learned about the TCO version of the vaccine, do you feel that it's fairly safe to purchase birds from breeder 1?

His comments are compelling regarding having birds side by side in a show.

Its really your decision. If it was my I would look at risk versus benefit. If I decided that the benefit was greater than risk, I would do it and then try to mitigate risk.

Perhaps a long quarantine with a couple of sacrificial birds to see if they contract any symptoms.