Mareks Vaccine

[chickengeorgeto]

... How would one know if it is on the property?

In short if you have property Mareks Disease is on it.

I too am no virologist but the fact that vaccines work by conveying to the patient a weak or killed version of the disease so that the patient's immune system can recognize the invading organism in time to mount an effective defense against it is still valid regardless if the invader it is a bacteria or a virus.

The biggest reason I think Mareks is the HIV of the poultry world is because of the part the immune system's T cells plays in growing new Mareks viruses and the fact that both human Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and Mareks disease both involve strange or rare forms of cancer.

 

[Nambroth]

Respectfully, I disagree... I think it's extreme to say that Marek's virus is on every property. I don't think it is. But--!! It IS very common, much more common than people realize, because chickens alone don't spread it, but it can also come in on the wind, or on animals that accidentally transport the dust, such as birds, people, etc. These factors, combined with the virus' ability to live for quite a while outside of a host (anywhere from months to years, there does not seem to be a conclusive duration on any of the studies I've read), means that the chances are high for any given chicken owner to have exposed birds. This, of course, increases with the proximity to other chickens/farms, the amount of new birds a keeper brings in from different sources, and even things as simple as going to a fair or show and not changing clothes when one gets home.


As far as how to tell if Marek's virus is on a property? Sadly I don't think there is a way to do so. Practice good biosecurity, keep a closed flock, and wash up well any time you visit a place that has chickens... but otherwise one is at the mercy of the many other variables such as wind and wild birds bringing it in.

It is a very frustrating virus.

 

[mumofsix]

Okay the chicks I Ordered will be vaccinated .The lady told me Not to feed them medicated feed. ...So If I buy some at Tractor Supply and give them medicated feed will they be OK? I also ask TC if their chicks were vaccinated they don't know and don't know which hatchery they are from. I was planning to get 6 chicks Monday . the ordered ones won't come until late march.

Thanks

 

[Nambroth]

Okay the chicks I Ordered will be vaccinated .The lady told me Not to feed them medicated feed. ...So If I buy some at Tractor Supply and give them medicated feed will they be OK? I also ask TC if their chicks were vaccinated they don't know and don't know which hatchery they are from. I was planning to get 6 chicks Monday . the ordered ones won't come until late march.

Thanks

I don't want to deter you, but if you are concerned about Marek's disease and vaccinations, I'd personally steer clear of TSC. I am not saying that their chicks are bad quality, but you are playing a bit of a gamble. From what I understand, talking to a higher level employee at the one here, they order chicks from whatever major hatchery is closest to the regional center, and they do NOT vaccinate. They don't even seem to have an option for vaccination on their special order form: http://www.tractorsupply.com/opencm...es/special-order-brochure-Chick-Days-2014.pdf

These orders have a minimum order number, so at that point it'd probably be in your best interest just to get chicks directly from a hatchery and request vaccination that way. That way you can choose a hatchery that YOU like.

 

[christine9]

I'm hatching my first eggs soon. I really want to vaccinate, but have been having trouble finding it. Where do you get yours?

 

[Eggcessive]

I'm hatching my first eggs soon. I really want to vaccinate, but have been having trouble finding it. Where do you get yours?

If you google mareks vaccine, you will find it for sale on many websites. Here is one: http://www.jefferspet.com/md-vac-cfl/camid/LIV/cp/F7-J7/cn/3501/

 

[Nambroth]

I'm hatching my first eggs soon. I really want to vaccinate, but have been having trouble finding it. Where do you get yours?

Jeffer's Pet: http://www.jefferspet.com/md-vac-cfl/camid/LIV/cp/F7-J7/cn/3501/
First State Veterinary Supply: http://www.firststatevetsupply.com/store2/mareks-vaccine.html (you may need to call)

 

[christine9]

Thanks for the help. I tried googling it last night, but I was really unsure of the one place I could find. Every other link was to BYC. Lol.

 

[christine9]

Does the vaccine need to be refrigerated? Is that why shipping is so high?

 

[Eggcessive]

Does the vaccine need to be refrigerated? Is that why shipping is so high?

I think it is because it needs refrigeration and epedited shipping plus a cooler, but also because it is usually 100 doses, so that may make it heavy.