Marek's Disease. Questions, Questions, Questions...HELP!

[farm-gal91]

These are abstracts done , but there are lengthy papers attached to them.

 

[cowcreekgeek]

I do understand that, but there are some factors that have to be considered;
1) these birds (healthy) have been vaccinated
2) they also are away from them and are much older mature hens
So that is why I and this vet who wrote the article both use the word "may" so much. There is such a big "if" in any disease once all factors are taken into consideration.
In regards to the photos, thank you for your concerns and willing to help. As soon as I get over some of this I may send them in over.

I've been readin' through your posts (only once, per each study ~'-)

Never quite saw it as the constantly evolving 'chickenemy' that it really is, and there's still a great deal to be learned ... by me, too, but by mankind.

Something you could do that I'm nearly certain would help reduce the presence ... gonna paste from another post:
I've used OdoBan since it was first introduced, and it's one very effective disinfectant/mildewstat/virucide/sanitizer. Extremely mild/safe; it costs about ten bucks per gallon, but makes thirty-two ... that's less than 35¢ per gallon.

 

[Year of the Rooster]

I'm finding this thread very interesting.

I decided to check it out because today I found one of my Sebright roosters dead in the coop, and he was perfectly healthy the day before. I know Marek's can affect chickens at different ages and in different ways. I am also very aware that Sebrights, as a breed in general, are susceptible to Marek's Disease more often than other breeds.

And yes, the Marek's virus is much like Parvo. It is EVERYWHERE. And it is constantly changing, which is why it is such a big concern in the commercial industry because that means they have to find new vaccines for the new strains that are evolving.

 

[chatty kathy]

I have been using diluted down bleach. I will get my lab results back on my hens this week I hope. I sure appreciate this information.

 

[cowcreekgeek]

I have been using diluted down bleach. I will get my lab results back on my hens this week I hope. I sure appreciate this information.

Used it w/ canine/parvo, 'n figured it'd be just as effective in the poultry/MDV scenario ... also smells far better than bleach (and produces no potentially toxic puddles/clouds ~'-)

 

[babsbag]

You can buy the vaccine. It is not a spray, it is given subq right at the base of the neck. It is not expensive, but it cannot be saved. You have to dose everyone once the vaccine is mixed. It is my understanding the the Marek"s vaccine in a hatchery is given to the embryonic chick at 18 days. (before hatch) It least it was done that way 2 years ago.

I had what the lab thought was Mareks about 3 years ago. I lost 9 birds. At that point I vaccinated my entire flock and only bought replacement birds that were vaccinated. I have had broodies hatch many a chick at my place and have never had any more problem with Marek's. Maybe I never had it all... There are other diseases that mimic it and even UC Davis couldn't give me a definitive answer.

You can vaccinate older birds and it has been suggested that that may stop the halt the growth of any tumors. It will not prevent an infected bird from carrying the disease, but it may prevent them from dying from it.

Sorry you lost your birds.

 

[farm-gal91]

This a link to a essay about Marek's. has lots of information about vaccination, when the disease strikes, and so many other helpful things. Worth reading.
I have been reading in return to your post about the Marek's vaccine. I have read so many study cases about this vaccine and it seems that as we know, it is not 100% effective, it has not been proven to stop tumor growth, and it definitely won't cure the chicken who has it. (I wish it did) the rest of mine are vaccinated against it, but if they weren't I still wouldn't vaccinate them for Marek's now. Too many side effects and adverse problems could come up. And it may very well stop tumor growth, but until it is proven or has been shown to, I will wait.

I'm sorry you lost some of yours to! This is such a nasty, evil, disease. Thank you for the info!

http://www.oie.int/fileadmin/home/eng/health_standards/tahm/2.03.13_marek_dis.pdf

 

[farm-gal91]

I

I've been readin' through your posts (only once, per each study ~'-)

Never quite saw it as the constantly evolving 'chickenemy' that it really is, and there's still a great deal to be learned ... by me, too, but by mankind.

Something you could do that I'm nearly certain would help reduce the presence ... gonna paste from another post:
I've used OdoBan since it was first introduced, and it's one very effective disinfectant/mildewstat/virucide/sanitizer. Extremely mild/safe; it costs about ten bucks per gallon, but makes thirty-two ... that's less than 35¢ per gallon.

I love odaban! We use it where I work to sterilize almost anything and everything,great stuff. It's hard to find it not in bulk though.

 

[farm-gal91]

I'm finding this thread very interesting.

I decided to check it out because today I found one of my Sebright roosters dead in the coop, and he was perfectly healthy the day before. I know Marek's can affect chickens at different ages and in different ways. I am also very aware that Sebrights, as a breed in general, are susceptible to Marek's Disease more often than other breeds. 

And yes, the Marek's virus is much like Parvo. It is EVERYWHERE. And it is constantly changing, which is why it is such a big concern in the commercial industry because that means they have to find new vaccines for the new strains that are evolving. 

It may not be proven or shown anywhere but I agree with you, it seems seabrights are more susceptible to Marek's I lost all of them, but one and you have lost some, and so have others. I'll be researching this tonight and when I break tomorrow. And yes, you are right about the parvovirus comment, it is just like it and its freaking everywhere! There are new strains like parvovirus in Marek's. I deal with parvovirus at work and HATE that evil virus and it gets me heated about how much I hate Marek's.

 

[farm-gal91]

I'm finding this thread very interesting.

I decided to check it out because today I found one of my Sebright roosters dead in the coop, and he was perfectly healthy the day before. I know Marek's can affect chickens at different ages and in different ways. I am also very aware that Sebrights, as a breed in general, are susceptible to Marek's Disease more often than other breeds. 

And yes, the Marek's virus is much like Parvo. It is EVERYWHERE. And it is constantly changing, which is why it is such a big concern in the commercial industry because that means they have to find new vaccines for the new strains that are evolving. 

Found a small amount of info. To prove.
Husbandry


Sebrights are neither prolific egg layers, nor outstanding meat birds. They can be difficult to raise, especially for the beginner. Hens rarely go broody and chicks usually have high mortality rates. Adults are generally hardy birds, but are especially susceptible to Marek's disease. In temperament, Sebrights are friendly, but very active birds. Males are not known to be aggressive, but Sebrights in general are, like most small chickens, somewhat skittish birds. Due to their small size and relatively large wings, they are one of a minority of chicken breeds that retains a strong flying ability. Thus, most keepers keep Sebrights in confinement rather than allowing them to free range.
http://www.geauga4h.org/poultry/chicken_breeds.htm

This one also states seabrights are more susceptible and has lots of good reading,
http://www.poultryhub.org/health/disease/types-of-disease/mareks-disease-virus-or-mdv/