Is it Marek's?

[marzbarz]

Needing some advice . . . .

My husband and I bought a home in March, to make a long story short, the house came with a flock of chickens and 3 goats. I've had my small flock for 5 years, and have never had any health issues. Here's what's going on . . .

About 3 weeks after we moved in I noticed some of the young chickens that were already on the property (not my flock) not doing well and they seemed to have stopped growing. They had drooping wings, lethargic, and eventually paralysis. Everything I researched pointed to Marek's disease. I've lost most of the flock that came with the house and several of my own chickens. My question is, what can I do to stop this? Nothing seems to be working and we keep having to cull sick chickens. I appreciate any helpful hints. Thanks!

 

[Mamatomany123]

The only way to know if it's mareks for sure is to have a dead bird tested. If it is mareks then there is nothing you can do. Some may survive but the disease will be in your flock forever and also on your property. It woud be wise to not bring in any new birds while these ones are alive and I believe it can take a few years for.it to fully leave the property.

 

[FuzzyOwlFeet]

Have you checked their poop? When I had coccidiosis really bad it mimicked some mareks symptoms. Had a necropsy done and it was just an overload of coccidiosis.

You can take fresh poop to almost any vet and have a fecal float done, it cost me like 10$. Even if the vet doesn't see chickens, they still know how to look for coccidia.

If it is Marek's, Mamatomany123 is exactly correct. There is nothing you can do, do not bring in new birds or sell yours.