Mareks disease questions

[fmiller]

Now I see what you guys say about not introducing new birds to an established flock. I introduced a young sultan/silkie to my flock about 4 weeks ago and now he is showing signs of Mareks disease. He has the characteristic splayed leg and wings tonight. He was in the sick hospital as before it looked like he walked on the backs of his legs. I think I am going to cull him as it is indicated that if he recovers he will be a carrier. Is it possible that one of the chickens in my flock is a carrier and the rest of the flock has already been exposed to it as no one else seems ill? Also I will have some chicks hatching on Easter. Should I vaccinate them since this has occurred on my farm? If so where can I get the vaccine?

 

[eponagirl]

I too had a chicken with Marek's that we had the vet put to sleep and it was confirmed at the local Vet University that it was indeed Marek's. I just got a bunch of chicks in from a breeder who does not vaccinate, so we got the vaccine sent here and did it the day they arrived..it really must be done as day olds. You can get it from at least 2 places:
http://www.firststatevetsupply.com/store/
www.twincitypoultrysupplies.com

Once you have had one chicken show up with Marek's you know it is on your property and all new chicks coming in should be vaccinated. The non-vaccinated ones may be fine forever or it may show signs during a stress period (such as beginning to lay, etc). It's hard to say if a new chicken came in with it or that marek's was already there and it just affected the one that had it. Clean up as many feathers that are around as the virus is heavily spread through them. You can also try to "fog" NON-activated Oxine in the coop to try to kill the virus. Google: Oxine Marek's Virus and you will find some articles (first state vet supply talks about it as does shagbarkbantams.com)

Hope that helps some!