Marek's disease .... one down, what about the other ?

[pullorroo]

My 8 month Cuckoo Maran died about ten days ago. I sent her off to be tested, and it was confirmed that she had Marek's. From what I read it usually affects young chicks... Would this be a case of long incubation of the disease, or a recent exposure from wild birds?

She was one of three chickens. Of the two left, one was vaccinated, one not. I am preparing myself to lose the chicken that was not vaccinated... so far she is healthy.

Does any one have any experience in how long this disease takes to spread... Could she have survived it without showing any signs or symptoms? Can I vaccinate her now?

Feeling like I need to restock my flock, so Betty is not left alone in the middle of winter (vaccinated of course)

Thanks for any insight

 

[Chickenmaven]

I have read alot on Marek's because I have a flock that is mixed - vaccinated and not. What I have learned is that some die, some don't. If I was down to two birds, I would aquire more.

Heck, if I was down to ten...

 

[meadrian]

I had all 3 of mine die from Mareks. Before we knew what it was and I was down to one I added another. She was vaccinated, but there are several strains of Mareks, so no garauntee my new one wouldn't get it. The last one died at 20 weeks and the new one was 16 weeks. They lived together for 2 months before the last one died. I was told they can contract it even with 2 weeks exposure. It's very contagious and air born. So far that 16 week old is now 25 weeks old and laying with no signs of illness...however, she may be a passive carrier. I've added 2 more since so she wouldn't be alone. It's been 2 months that all 3 have been together and no signs of illness. But again, that doesn't mean they don't have it. They could be carriers.

I don't know how long is "safe" or if there even is a "safe" period. What I do know is since it's air born, they don't even need to be in the same pen to contract it.

As far as vaccinating now...I don't know. I suppose you could, but that doesn't mean she won't get sick. She's been exposed. Maybe someone with more experience can give more conclusive information.

Good luck to you.

 

[meadrian]

Oh, I forgot. I agree with restocking. A single chicken isn't a happy chicken. At least mine wasn't.

 

[Barrett Farm]

Check out Alamo Hay & Grain off 680. We recently bought 6 new chicks from them. They are the only place in No Ca that stocks chicks all year round. I think they are all from hatcheries. And the price is reasonable at $2.50 ea.
We got 2 Brahmas, 2 Ameracaunas, and 2 RIR.
I think my hens are bored in a flock with just five. They are used to much more company in the day.

I once read the best way to deal with grief from a dog that dies, is to get a new puppy. Trust me, after the sadness of culling 5 hens, the six chicks are a real joy.