The other hen who has it has unequivocal ocular Mareks, and this pullet's mother got sick in just this way and died within a day or so (totally surprised me), and when I opened her up (thinking worms or something), she was full of lymphoma-like tumors - liver massively enlarged with tumors throughout, and huge tumors all along the lymph nodes in the abdomen. The sample I took wasn't quite handled right by me, so I opted not to try to send for testing (test probably wouldn't have worked) - I will send this girl for necropsy if/when she passes. It's likely either Marek's or Avian Leukosis, and I'm thinking the former because of the coop-mate's classic ocular Mareks. But I need to know because of some differences in egg transmission.
I always knew that this breed was susceptible to it (vaccination didn't help Paula or Jenny), and so breeding for resistance was the plan from the very beginning. It's just kinda sad to have to deal with (though I've tried not to get attached to them). Five of the pullets are daughters of Paula who died less than 2 weeks after they hatched - the other two are from the girl with ocular Mareks. They are looking good (and good body condition) right now. Perhaps some will be resistant. And I have four younger pullets from the CL hen who is not ill - hanging my hopes on them if the worst happens with the older crew. But unless disaster strikes (e.g., loss of rooster - worry about which is why these were hatched in the first place), I'm not hatching from any of them until they are at least over a year old or older going forward. Same for the other potential mommies and daddies in my flock. I'm waiting until everyone is older and has declared themselves healthy and sturdy through all seasons. I'm watching them all VERY carefully as for many of them, this is their first summer here (I have a young flock).
Of course, getting it down to the most blunt point, no matter WHAT it is for this particular pullet, the rest in her coop are thriving, and she is not, so she does not have the vigor I want in my birds... But yeah. it sucks.
- Ant Farm
I am sorry, but at least it is over.
