Marek's and my Flock

[staceyj]

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.

May I ask what type of testing confirmed mareks in your flock initially?
Was it a necropsy or the live testing assays?

 

[FiddleChics]

Oh my gosh... So sorry for your horrible, devastating loss. We do love our 'feather hearts' so dearly. Getting the Marek's vaccine is excellent... & getting the marek's shot from a *Reputable Hatchery... is better yet. It's wonderful you're making a fresh start - I can't even imagine how hard it has been for you... but sending the very best wishes for your endeavor!

 

[roosterhavoc]

Why did the state euthanize all your birds?

 

[Kiki]

Why did the state euthanize all your birds?

I read somewhere recently that Merek's was a reportable disease in some states.
I have not yet search this to see if it is true or not.

 

[Eggcessive]

I find it hard to believe that Mareks would be a reportable disease, since many people seem to think that it is everywhere. I have never had a case, but I wonder if your birds were sick with a serious disease, and were necropsied if Mareks would show up more often if it was tested for. In my state, they have to send off specimens to a special lab for Mareks testing, so it is not done routinely unless you ask for it or pay extra.

So sorry that you have had to put down your whole flock. Respiratory diseases may be complicated by E.coli infection, and most respiratory infections are chronic and are carried by survivors to infect others. I would check into Virkon-S in small amounts to use with water to sanitize the equipment and coop.

 

[Kiki]

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.

Would you mind sharing your necropsy reult paperwork with us.
I love reading them.

 

[sylviethecochin]

My flock got hit by a particularly virulent strain, no doubt from the disease mutating due to the vaccines.

I'm sorry for your loss. That sounds absolutely awful.

However, I can't help but wonder--since you believe that the vaccine is why the Marek's mutated into this strain, why do you want others to vaccinate?

Sorry if this is too soon. I'm just confused.

 

[Kiki]

I find it hard to believe that Mareks would be a reportable disease, since many people seem to think that it is everywhere. I have never had a case, but I wonder if your birds were sick with a serious disease, and were necropsied if Mareks would show up more often if it was tested for. In my state, they have to send off specimens to a special lab for Mareks testing, so it is not done routinely unless you ask for it or pay extra.

So sorry that you have had to put down your whole flock. Respiratory diseases may be complicated by E.coli infection, and most respiratory infections are chronic and are carried by survivors to infect others. I would check into Virkon-S in small amounts to use with water to sanitize the equipment and coop.

I'm looking now and so far I can not find anything with a current date but have found info that was dated years ago for three states.
So I think it is possible that it used to be a reportable disease in some states but may not be anymore.
I'm guessing the person who wrote what I read may not have current info but may have been right for back a few years ago.

I will be digging some more as soon as I get back to my computer.

 

[sylviethecochin]

I find it hard to believe that Mareks would be a reportable disease, since many people seem to think that it is everywhere.

It is. From the Merck Vet Manual: "Marek’s disease is one of the most ubiquitous avian infections; it is identified in chicken flocks worldwide. Every flock, except for those maintained under strict pathogen-free conditions, is presumed to be infected. Although clinical disease is not always apparent in infected flocks, a subclinical decrease in growth rate and egg production may be economically important."

 

[thefadedstitch]

May I ask what type of testing confirmed mareks in your flock initially?
Was it a necropsy or the live testing assays?

A necropsy