Marek’s Disease

[Opal8]

Hello all! I have a question. I have a flock of unvaccinated chickens that have Marek’s Disease. I want to get more chickens that are Vaccinated. I was reading that the vaccine can cause mutations. Will this negatively affect my current flock?

 

[Eggcessive]

A Mareks vaccination will not cause mutations, but all birds will still be carriers of the disease. Some may get symptoms of the disease still. Immunity takes 2 full weeks after vaccination, so they should be kept from coming in contact with any dander from the affected chickens. Have you read some articles about the disease?

 

[Opal8]

A Mareks vaccination will not cause mutations, but all birds will still be carriers of the disease. Some may get symptoms of the disease still. Immunity takes 2 full weeks after vaccination, so they should be kept from coming in contact with any dander from the affected chickens. Have you read some articles about the disease?

I read an article that states chickens will cause mutations if vaccinated. I just wanted to hear other’s experiences

 

[Ravenseye]

I've never seen mutations caused by a vaccination nor have I ever heard of anyone else's chickens getting mutations. I've seen plenty of chickens suffering from the disease.

If you get vaccinated chickens, they won't affect your current flock. The disease is primarily airborne and originates in the feather follicles. The vaccine does not stop a healthy, vaccinated chicken from spreading the disease. It helps them from getting sick...although it's far from foolproof.

I would carefully blend the flocks once the vaccinated chickens have had the vaccine in their system for enough time and keep an eye out. I also wouldn't worry a bit about mutations from the vaccine.