Mareks

[RoostersAreAwesome]

I have suspect Mareks in my flock since this spring due to young cockerel with gray ovular signs and several unexplained death around 5-6month old pullets. So if the survivors all carry it in their dander and have survived past adolescence, would stripping and vacuuming clean the entire coop really make any difference other than prior to hatching or introducing new chickens?

I’m not completely sure about that. I believe some do it if they have separated vaccinated chicks that need to build resistance before being introduced to the virus, or to stop it from spreading to wild birds and other nearby flocks.

 

[Love my chickens 25]

Not all birds that get Marek’s will show symptoms. Depending on the strain, the majority may not even appear to be affected, though they’ll still carry the disease.

I had one who ate and drank the day before she died and acted normal so yeah I agree.