Managing a flock with likely Mareks?

[Sseckel]

Have you had birds tested to see why they are dying? Any time more than a bird or two die from similar symptoms it's important to have them tested. Flocks can survive with Mareks. In my experiences it doesn't kill multiple birds close together like you are describing.

They have been pretty close together. Generally one or 2 each day with a day or 2 between sometimes. I have added vitamins to their water, and checked and dusted for mites (didn't find any). This morning I noticed quite a few sneezing but that was new as of this morning. Their coop is well ventilated and clean and they have a large run. If that helps narrow anything down.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

They have been pretty close together. Generally one or 2 each day with a day or 2 between sometimes. I have added vitamins to their water, and checked and dusted for mites (didn't find any). This morning I noticed quite a few sneezing but that was new as of this morning. Their coop is well ventilated and clean and they have a large run. If that helps narrow anything down.

I wouldn't think Mareks, there are lots of nasty diseases that can kill birds quickly, so getting one tested is important especially with the purple combs you described, and the multiple deaths. If it is Mareks than it could be one of the more nasty strains since there are a few. I personally don't get dead birds tested, but if I experienced your situation I definitely would.

 

[Folly's place]

Did you talk to one of the veterinarians in their path department? Or in their poultry science department? This really may not be Marek's disease at all, and needs checking out ASAP.
Mary

 

[Sseckel]

I wouldn't think Mareks, there are lots of nasty diseases that can kill birds quickly, so getting one tested is important especially with the purple combs you described, and the multiple deaths. If it is Mareks than it could be one of the more nasty strains since there are a few. I personally don't get dead birds tested, but if I experienced your situation I definitely would.

I did speak to a friend who works at the extension office in our neighboring county (we live on the county line) and she said they have confirmed cases of Mareks in their county. That with the paralysis and the rest of the symptoms and timing is why I started to suspect Marek's.

 

[Sseckel]

Did you talk to one of the veterinarians in their path department? Or in their poultry science department? This really may not be Marek's disease at all, and needs checking out ASAP.
Mary

I spoke with the pathology deptartment.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I did speak to a friend who works at the extension office in our neighboring county (we live on the county line) and she said they have confirmed cases of Mareks in their county. That with the paralysis and the rest of the symptoms and timing is why I started to suspect Marek's.

Mareks should be considered everywhere. It can be brought in on the wind or by wild birds. My flock carries it, but I don't get overly worried. I generally see one young one a season that will come down with symptoms at about 2-3 months. The rest develop an immunity. In general adult birds don't succumb like chicks do. I've never seen an adult bird exhibit Mareks symptoms. Others say they have.

Other things can cause paralysis. If you birds are sometimes moldy or at maggots that fed on carrion they can get botulism that causes paralysis and quick deaths. It will kill multiple birds.

Knowing exactly what you are dealing with can help you figure out how to go forward. If it turns out to be a nasty strain of Mareks than vaccinating chicks is your best route, though some can still come down with it.

 

[adladladl]

They have been pretty close together. Generally one or 2 each day with a day or 2 between sometimes. I have added vitamins to their water, and checked and dusted for mites (didn't find any). This morning I noticed quite a few sneezing but that was new as of this morning. Their coop is well ventilated and clean and they have a large run. If that helps narrow anything down.

This is an old thread but this sounds more like Avian Flu or Mycoplasma...did you actually have these birds tested?

 

[cubalaya]

Cull any bird that shows any signs of sickness. Keep and breed the ones that never get sick. In a few generations you wont have to worry about Marek's