Lost 3 birds, all different symptoms. Marek's?

[leighton3]

I lost a silver sebright at the end of January, his only visual symptom was feather on his chest and scabbing, he continued acting fine up until he passed one night. The next bird was a bantam EE, she had no visual signs or symptoms of anything being wrong. She passed in either Feb or March, I can't remember exactly. Now my bantam EE is showing signs of Marek's or possible viatimin deficiency. He has one leg with curled toes, no balance, and is very quiet and sick. It came on suddenly two days ago. He is still eating and drinking. I'm nervous that because of these 3 birds it may be Marek's?? Coincidences?

Had a video of the rooster who is sick now, but it won't let me upload it?

 

[chickengeorgeto]

Marek's disease is a form of cancer that grows out of a herpes virus infection. Since Marek's can cause cancer in any organ in a chickens' body the symptoms of Marek's can differ widely. Now add in the fact that there are at least 7 major types of herpes viruses that cause Marek's and the symptom list is a long one. This is why the only sure way to diagnose Marek's is with a careful Necropolis looking for unusual growths and lesions. Your bantam EE is showing classic Marek's infection of the nerves in his legs.

This will not win me any "LIKES" but IMHO if you really really love your chickens you will cull any bird who displays symptoms of Marek's disease because even if that bird survives it can infect every chicken you own.

 

[Eggcessive]

I have read that Mareks can be common in seabrights. You can upload your video to YouTube with a link posted here if you wish. I would give chicken vitamins, in case of a deficiency, and make sure they contain riboflavin or B 2. Mareks can cause skin lesions, tumors on the nerves, and internally as well as other symptoms. The best way to test for Mareks is to get a necropsy on a refrigerated body shipped to your state vet or poultry lab. Sorry that you are losing birds.