Mareks Vaccination Poll

[D'Angelo N Va.]

I as well have gotten chickens from a hatchery (McMurrays) and they have vaccinated the chicks for me. This is interesting because I was on a Barnevelder's thread yesterday because I had read they were prone to get this disease and on the thread a couple of ppl. had said their year old birds just started dying. I pointed out what I had read and suggested perhaps getting them vaccinated. Does anyone know if it has to be given as a baby chick or can it be done later if they realize this could be a possible problem?

 

[ISSOLA]

D'Angelo N Va. :

This is interesting because I was on a Barnevelder's thread yesterday because I had read they were prone to get this disease and on the thread a couple of ppl. had said their year old birds just started dying. I pointed out what I had read and suggested perhaps getting them vaccinated. Does anyone know if it has to be given as a baby chick or can it be done later if they realize this could be a possible problem?

No- if the Barnevelder is affected with symptoms -- it is, I believe, too late.

Every instruction on Marek's is that it should be used on day-old chicks. But I believe, it can still/and should be utilized in older chicks.

As for whether a year old hen would benefit. Theorectically, I suppose so. I think as along as the vaccine is given before any marek's infection; you should be fine. However, for an older chick or hen; the vaccine dose may have to be higher. You need to read up on that or call the company. Probably need to dose up (by weight).

The vaccine is an attenuated live virus; and should not cause "infection" unless your chick/chicken is immunosuppressed.​

 

[gritsar]

A quick call to your local agricultural extension agent can tell you if Marek's is a problem in your area. I chose not to vaccinate based on the information from our local agent and our particular farm setup.

 

[apmorris]

Sorry, I didn't mean to spread misinformation. I made several, several phone call to vets, the local agricultural university, vet supply sources and hatcheries when I lost a rooster to Marek's. The information I got from all of them was that one could purchase several types of vaccination products, but not the solution for Marek's. I am in Michigan. Maybe other states are different?

 

[apmorris]

Quote:
No- if the Barnevelder is affected with symptoms -- it is, I believe, too late.

Every instruction on Marek's is that it should be used on day-old chicks. But I believe, it can still/and should be utilized in older chicks.

As for whether a year old hen would benefit. Theorectically, I suppose so. I think as along as the vaccine is given before any marek's infection; you should be fine. However, for an older chick or hen; the vaccine dose may have to be higher. You need to read up on that or call the company. Probably need to dose up (by weight).

The vaccine is an attenuated live virus; and should not cause "infection" unless your chick/chicken is immunosuppressed.

When I spoke to the Avian pathologist at Michigan State University, he told me that there was no point in vaccinating a chick for Marek's if the chick was more than 48 hours old. He said that it is a race to give the vaccine before the chick is exposed to the virus. It takes the chick about 16-20 weeks to succumb to the virus-many chickens will not succumb, but will spread the virus with their dander.

 

[Intheswamp]

Well, we've had 20 voters so far...interesting so far.

Thanks for participating....

Day Old Chick Vaccination Poll

Ed

 

[abooth]

apmorris: you can buy the vaccine at jefferslivestock.com. The shipping/freight charges are high because it has to stay cold. I buy a bunch at once to save some $$$.

 

[Intheswamp]

I thought I would let everybody know that the "do you or don't you vaccinate for Mareks?" poll that started January 24th ends tomorrow.

Thanks for participating and if you haven't participated please do.

Ed

 

[Chicken Chaperone]

bump

 

[tammyd57]

In the Ideal Hatchery pricelist (and I'm sure I've seen it on other hatchery information) there is this:

"SPECIAL SERVICES (PER CHICK): In small flocks IDEAL does not recommend having any of these services done to your poultry.
Marek's Disease Vaccination (chicks only) 10 cents - Debeak 6 cents - Dub (clipping comb) 6 cents - Dewing 12 cents"

So, if the hatcheries don't recommend it, and I assume they might know more about it than I do, why would I question that?
I do wonder what exactly they consider a "small" flock---10 birds or less? 100 birds or less?