- May 6, 2011
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While I don't see any symptoms among my 30+ birds, I've been reading a bit on Marek's disease. I now understand it's prudent to vaccinate day-old chicks. However, I currently have 17 birds that are 2 months old, 10 other chickens that range from 3 months to 6 years old, two geese (10 yr, 8 mo.) and 5 ducks that are about 6 months old.
I read that older birds may have survived expoure to Mareks but may still be shedding the virus via dander. So do I vaccinate only my coming 1-day-old chicks, or incude the 2 month-old chickens and/or vaccinate the whole darn herd?
I work at keeping their houses and pens clean, regularly scrub waterers and inspect them regularly. Any time I've found a sick bird, he gets isolated immediately. I feed medicated chick starter for the first few months and don't use other antibiotics unless it appears warranted. But I'm still not clear on how to guard against Mareks beyond vaccinating day-old chicks. Anyone experienced in this ? Just like to be on the safe side.
Oh, also.... have a bunch of ring-neck eggs in the 'bator, so I'm looking to see if the same vaccine for chickens would be appropriate for pheasants. Thanks in advance for any sage advice.
Rusted One
I read that older birds may have survived expoure to Mareks but may still be shedding the virus via dander. So do I vaccinate only my coming 1-day-old chicks, or incude the 2 month-old chickens and/or vaccinate the whole darn herd?
I work at keeping their houses and pens clean, regularly scrub waterers and inspect them regularly. Any time I've found a sick bird, he gets isolated immediately. I feed medicated chick starter for the first few months and don't use other antibiotics unless it appears warranted. But I'm still not clear on how to guard against Mareks beyond vaccinating day-old chicks. Anyone experienced in this ? Just like to be on the safe side.
Oh, also.... have a bunch of ring-neck eggs in the 'bator, so I'm looking to see if the same vaccine for chickens would be appropriate for pheasants. Thanks in advance for any sage advice.
Rusted One