Mareks vaccine and lifespan

[NaperLix]

a breeder told me this week they dont use Mareks vaccine or any other.the owner has lupus,may be risk for him.so, I can't buy a pullet from them.
He also stated that breeder stock he buys, that are vaccinated with Mareks die in 2 years ,every time.
The scary part,he said his NPIP inspector told him this exact thing.
My chickens are forever,beloved,companion pets.i would hate to think I harmed them with this vaccine.( he did not specify which type of Mareks vaccine) his name says he's a doctor.
Anyone have senior chickens that were vaccinated?

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Marek's vaccine doesn't prevent birds from getting Marek's... it just hides or decreases the symptoms (like paralysis) IF they do get it.

I personally also WON'T use Marek's vaccine and Marek's vaccinated birds NOT welcome at my place to be hidden carriers IF the disease ever does pop up. I rather have it kill itself out quickly.

My guess about the two year death... may have more to do with genetics (like reproductive issues) than the vaccine. There are MANY things we don't know about the whole scenario (was the vaccine administered correctly or quarantine practices afterward)... but this is the first time I have heard that. I will look into, thanks for putting it on the radar!

I don't believe you have done anything to harm your chickens. For SOME people... if they don't vaccinate, they may lose all their birds by 6 months old! You have done the best you could with the information you had available at the time. No one can do better than that.

Most accurate information I have seen regarding Marek's is in this article...
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/the-great-big-giant-mareks-disease-faq.66077/

Please also note that NPIP does NOT test for or require reporting of Marek's.

Hang in there and try not to worry too hard.

 

[Eggcessive]

I have a flock of 7 and 8 years olds who were vaccinated for Mareks. A few are chickens I raised who were not vaccinated. I haven’t seen Mareks yet, but it is a common virus all over the world. If one gets a case of Mareks in the flock, then all chickens will become exposed. It is spread in dust and feather dander, and can remain in the environment for months to years. You can find a lot of info on Mareks online. Here are a couple of good articles:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/the-great-big-giant-mareks-disease-faq.66077/

https://extension.psu.edu/mareks-disease-in-chickens

 

[NaperLix]

It's such a cruel disease I have considered boosters as poultry studies and some vets say these work even better.
I know one breeder said theyve heard Newcastle is out in California and out east.
They are vaccinated for that too,but who knows.
You're lucky your chickens are that old.thats great.