Mareks disease!!!

[Annalyse]

My 20 week old silkie was not eating and drinking and didn’t want to stand. Took her to the vet and she got a blood test done and it’s mareks disease. She was given a liquid pain reliever that as soon as she took it she instantly got better acting normal and herself again. When she was a baby she had wry neck and was on the same medicine. I know it can get worse and can spread to the rest of the flock. She’s been kept away from the flock for a week. I don’t know what to do. I know if it gets worse we have to put her down but right now she’s her healthy self again so can I put her back into the flock? Has anyone experienced this?

 

[Livia Ammon]

I haven’t experienced this, but until a more experienced member reviews this, don’t put her back with the flock. It isn’t worth the risk. Good luck, and I’ll try and find some good people to tag

 

[Annalyse]

I haven’t experienced this, but until a more experienced member reviews this, don’t put her back with the flock. It isn’t worth the risk. Good luck, and I’ll try and find some good people to tag

Thank you! Is their anyone I could tag?

 

[nuthatched]

She's a carrier for life, unfortunately, and the other birds have already been exposed. Just wait for someone with a mareks flock to give you advice. It's not a death sentence but you will have to change your management

 

[BoundlessLove]

This may help you. It is a thread about Mareks and moving forward.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/confirmed-marek’s-moving-forward.1663436/post-28593660

 

[Wyorp Rock]

My 20 week old silkie was not eating and drinking and didn’t want to stand. Took her to the vet and she got a blood test done and it’s mareks disease. She was given a liquid pain reliever that as soon as she took it she instantly got better acting normal and herself again. When she was a baby she had wry neck and was on the same medicine. I know it can get worse and can spread to the rest of the flock. She’s been kept away from the flock for a week. I don’t know what to do. I know if it gets worse we have to put her down but right now she’s her healthy self again so can I put her back into the flock? Has anyone experienced this?

I'm sorry to hear about the diagnosis.

I don't believe I've ever seen anyone with confirmed Marek's mention their bird got immediately better when given a pain reliever. What was given?

Since she's been with her flock this whole time except for a week's separation, everyone is exposed. If she seems fit to start the re-integration process, then put her near her flock and see how she does.

@microchick @coach723 any thoughts?

 

[coach723]

Do you know specifically what test they did, that confirmed Marek's?
I'm asking because it's uncommon for most vets to run it, it's a PCR test that usually has to be sent off, and I'm only aware of limited resources that do it. I could be mistaken, maybe things are changing, but just want to verify. With Marek's and paralysis it's caused by tumors on the nerves, and I don't think pain meds would suddenly make that go away. Again, I could be wrong, but not what I have seen. I'm wondering, since it's a silkie, if it's more something with inflammation in the brain that is getting knocked back by the meds. Silkies and other vaulted skull birds can have more issues with inflammation in the brain and brain injury. They are also more susceptible to vitamin deficiencies and those symptoms. Since she presented with issues when she was younger, I wonder if this is related to that. As @WyorpRock said, if it is Marek's, they have all already been exposed, so unless you see severe issues affecting her, I personally wouldn't cull. In addition to the pain meds I would do some vitamin supplementing, E and selenium, and a b complex. Give her some time, and see how it goes.

 

[MapleLaurelFarms]

Do you know specifically what test they did, that confirmed Marek's?
I'm asking because it's uncommon for most vets to run it, it's a PCR test that usually has to be sent off, and I'm only aware of limited resources that do it. I could be mistaken, maybe things are changing, but just want to verify. With Marek's and paralysis it's caused by tumors on the nerves, and I don't think pain meds would suddenly make that go away. Again, I could be wrong, but not what I have seen. I'm wondering, since it's a silkie, if it's more something with inflammation in the brain that is getting knocked back by the meds. Silkies and other vaulted skull birds can have more issues with inflammation in the brain and brain injury. They are also more susceptible to vitamin deficiencies and those symptoms. Since she presented with issues when she was younger, I wonder if this is related to that. As @WyorpRock said, if it is Marek's, they have all already been exposed, so unless you see severe issues affecting her, I personally wouldn't cull. In addition to the pain meds I would do some vitamin supplementing, E and selenium, and a b complex. Give her some time, and see how it goes.

I agree that a blood test seems odd for Marak's, but unfortunately I'm not a vet. Usually it's confirmed by necropsy through visible lesions/tumors along with tissue sample tests.

I think pain meds might work with Marak's symptoms, especially in the early stages. Whatever it is, I'm glad the pain meds seem to be working.

I agree with the others that, if it is Marak's, the entire flock is already exposed so I'd put her back in, especially if she seems better. Of course, if it's not Marak's but something else, you run the risk of spreading that disease. However, I think the stress of separation isn't worth it unless you see a valid reason to do so.

If she or any of your other birds succumb, I'd highly recommend a necropsy, especially if there are multiple birds showing symptoms. If it truly is Marak's, you'll want to know for sure so you only bring in vaccinated birds from here on out.

On an emotional note, I know it's hard but try not to panic. It's very possible to deal with Marak's and continue to move forward successfully. The virus is endemic and has been in our world for a very long time (before it was discovered, farmers called it pasture paralysis). Yet backyard flocks are still here AND thriving!

Hang in there, and keep us posted!

 

[microchick]

Thanks @Wyorp Rock for the tag.

@Annalyse I'm so sorry to hear about your Silkie. Yeah, I have the same thoughts about the test BUT, Silkies are #1 with a bullet when it comes to Marek's disease. That being said, it's chances of being positive are probably higher than it being negative. Of course a post mortem necropsy is the only true diagnosis testing for Marek's.

Unfortunately, if it is Marek's the Genie is out of the bottle and your whole flock is carrying the disease. And yes, I've heard of remissions only for the disease to come back later when the bird reaches POL or sexual maturity. Mine all died at a year to a year and a half average, but showed no signs of the initial infection with the exception of a few birds.

Until you get it figured out 100% my best advice is to lock your flock down. No birds out, no birds in unless they are vaccinated and even that isn't a 100% guarantee that you won't suffer losses. Keeping her separated from the flock isn't necessary. They already have been exposed to her.

I invite you to read my article about dealing with Marek's in your flock:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...-i-learned-to-deal-with-mareks-disease.76944/

And take heart. You aren't alone here.

​

 

[2ndTink]

There are labs that will do pcr testing on blood from live birds for Mareks. When a necropsy is performed they will send a biopsy off for testing.