I promise not to get on my soap box about this issue. BUT, too many people immediately conclude Mareks without lab tests instead of the dozen or so other issues that mimic Mareks perfectly. Like heavy metal poisoning (from ground or water sources), Neurological from vitamin deficiency, low level Aflatoxin from bad feed( have had that happen to me). Lab tests are the only way to conclude you have Mareks Period! And you don't have to cull a bird to get it done, a blood sample can be sent in and is inexpensive.
Your profile does not state where you are located. Search out your State veterinarian, he or she is the go to resource for any issues you encounter, they are paid to handle these issues. Look them up and call their office. In my opinion no one should cull their entire flock without the State Vet weighing in.
You don't mention if your birds have been vaccinated or their age.
As far as the picture of the eye, I can think of several things to investigate before even considering Mareks. Eye injury and scaring. Chickens do get glaucoma just like people. And being in Arizona I have had chickens go blind from to much sun exposure as they tried to follow an aerial threat who flew across the sun. As far as the pupil and eye being misshapen, that too could be normal or the results of the start of a respiratory issue, which is a whole other kettle of issues.
Because of Mareks being so devastating everyone jumps to that conclusion first and second and third without ever giving consideration to anything else.
And good bio-security practices, even if you are not NPIP or a hatchery states no one who has chickens visits past your house without wearing clothing that has not had contact with their chickens, which includes shoes, since they were washed.
Your profile does not state where you are located. Search out your State veterinarian, he or she is the go to resource for any issues you encounter, they are paid to handle these issues. Look them up and call their office. In my opinion no one should cull their entire flock without the State Vet weighing in.
You don't mention if your birds have been vaccinated or their age.
As far as the picture of the eye, I can think of several things to investigate before even considering Mareks. Eye injury and scaring. Chickens do get glaucoma just like people. And being in Arizona I have had chickens go blind from to much sun exposure as they tried to follow an aerial threat who flew across the sun. As far as the pupil and eye being misshapen, that too could be normal or the results of the start of a respiratory issue, which is a whole other kettle of issues.
Because of Mareks being so devastating everyone jumps to that conclusion first and second and third without ever giving consideration to anything else.
And good bio-security practices, even if you are not NPIP or a hatchery states no one who has chickens visits past your house without wearing clothing that has not had contact with their chickens, which includes shoes, since they were washed.