Mareks Disease

[Sarahlynn8029]

I need Mareks help! I culled my first hen last night, and waiting for the results from our local college, but they’re quite sure it was Mareks. What percent of my sweet flock can I expect to die? I’ve done SO much research, and will be vaccinating my chicks from now on… but for now I would love to know if I should expect to lose them all or if there’s a chance some could survive and continue being healthy and productive….

 

[azygous]

You may not lose any more, or if you do, it will be an isolated occurrence. Marek's is not necessarily a death sentence for every chicken carrying the virus. Many are able to develop resistance and live relatively normal life spans. Maximize health and minimize stress and chickens can often beat the virus and not become symptomatic, though they will still carry it.

Introducing only chicks that have been vaccinated and have had time to develop resistance will eventually drive the active virus out of your flock. But be sure to practice good biosecurity so the virus isn't exported outside your flock.