Marek's and my Flock

[thefadedstitch]

About three weeks ago Mississippi State University's diagnostic lab confirmed a diagnosis of Marek's disease with a secondary infection of e. coli.

Yesterday, what remained of my flock, after months of battling one ailment after another, was euthanized by the state.

A year of work, money and watching my beloved chickens suffer with the "bug of the week" came to an end. It was my first year keeping chickens.

A lot has been learned and my feeling of loss is great. My pets are at rest now and will no longer waste away, suffer further infections or other maladies.

The hardest part was burning everything after the state left. It was shocking and traumatizing to be able to identify each one as I raked the fire to make sure things were completely disposed of.

My flock rebuiling has already begun but there is a lot of work left to do as far as sanitization and quarantining the area outside my large coop for the next 7 to 8 months.

I'll never know for sure what vector delivered this horror on my babies, although, I have my suspicions.

Today while working around the house and walking the dogs at various times during the day I could still hear them.

All I can say at this point is please vaccinate.

 

[A_Fowl_Guy]

Chickens vaccinated against Marek’s disease rarely get sick. But the vaccine does not prevent them from spreading Marek’s to unvaccinated birds.


https://www.pbs.org/newshour/science/tthis-chicken-vaccine-makes-virus-dangerous

 

[Sequel]

Oh that is just heartwrenching! I am so sorry!

 

[thefadedstitch]

Chickens vaccinated against Marek’s disease rarely get sick. But the vaccine does not prevent them from spreading Marek’s to unvaccinated birds.


https://www.pbs.org/newshour/science/tthis-chicken-vaccine-makes-virus-dangerous

I read this post along with others. Having been in the medical field I'm aware the vaccine does have it's flaws. Over vaccinating has definatly been a problem for some time.
I'm investing in some turkeys to go for natural immunization in future. I discussed this at length with the representative from the board of animal health yesterday. At this point my convictions are that vaccinations are a necessary evil sometimes.
Thank you for providing the link

 

[A_Fowl_Guy]

I read this post along with others. Having been in the medical field I'm aware of the vaccine does have it's flaws. I'm investing in some turkeys to go for natural immunization in future. I discussed this at length with the representative from the board of animal health yesterday. At this point my convictions are that vaccinations are a necessary evil sometimes.

A perfect vaccine is a necessary thing but leaky vaccines are more dangerous than not vaccinating. Less spread.

 

[thefadedstitch]

My turkey poults should arrive by the end of the month. Hopefully I won't have to repeat the vaccination.
My flock got hit by a particularly virulent strain, no doubt from the disease mutating due to the vaccines.

 

[staceyj]

About three weeks ago Mississippi State University's diagnostic lab confirmed a diagnosis of Marek's disease with a secondary infection of e. coli.

Yesterday, what remained of my flock, after months of battling one ailment after another, was euthanized by the state.

A year of work, money and watching my beloved chickens suffer with the "bug of the week" came to an end. It was my first year keeping chickens.

A lot has been learned and my feeling of loss is great. My pets are at rest now and will no longer waste away, suffer further infections or other maladies.

The hardest part was burning everything after the state left. It was shocking and traumatizing to be able to identify each one as I raked the fire to make sure things were completely disposed of.

My flock rebuiling has already begun but there is a lot of work left to do as far as sanitization and quarantining the area outside my large coop for the next 7 to 8 months.

I'll never know for sure what vector delivered this horror on my babies, although, I have my suspicions.

Today while working around the house and walking the dogs at various times during the day I could still hear them.

All I can say at this point is please vaccinate.

My deepest sympathy to you friend.
For you losses. Your sadness. Grief.

Also thanks and admiration for all your effort. Caring. Perseverance and dedication as a steward to your flock.

I wish you the very best as you take the time to heal not only your land but your heart.
Take whatever time you need but please come back here. We need people like you to share the full story of your experience and the knowledge you’ve acquired.
So many could learn so much.

Many hugs to you.

 

[Kathy Golla]

Gosh I really feel for you, that is terrible.

 

[thefadedstitch]

Please note, regardless how much I read on the various diseases that can harm our chickens, the disease did not seem to present like the descriptions stated. Only after the preliminary testing came back did I start to connect the dots. My chickens did not have any neurological symptoms or skin tumors. Mostly, they presented with a recurring sinus infection followed by a week or two of becoming weak and lethargic. The most generalized symptoms you can imagine. My flock started out at close to 80 when they started to die off. I had some that seemed pefectly healthy one day be dead in the coop the next morning when I turned everyone loose. Yesterday, they euthanized fewer than 30. This whole process started in October. I am glad to answer any questions anyone has. Maybe someone's flock can benefit from this.

 

[Kiki]