MJ's little flock

[MaryJanet]

Virkon S (brand name).
It is a general virucide but lists Marek’s disease virus which should mean it was specifically tested against it.

Data sheet (also shows active ingredient in case brand is different in Oz): https://syndel.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Virkon-S-Information-Page-Lanxess.pdf

Amazon (US) product link: https://a.co/d/hflnAHa

Link to Aussie site that seems to have it. I have not cross-checked that it is the same ingredients: https://www.aussievetproducts.com.au/

Marvellous!!! I'm extremely grateful.

 

[MaryJanet]

Virkon S (brand name).
It is a general virucide but lists Marek’s disease virus which should mean it was specifically tested against it.

Data sheet (also shows active ingredient in case brand is different in Oz): https://syndel.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Virkon-S-Information-Page-Lanxess.pdf

Amazon (US) product link: https://a.co/d/hflnAHa

Link to Aussie site that seems to have it. I have not cross-checked that it is the same ingredients: https://www.aussievetproducts.com.au/

Hmm Virkon S in Australia appears to have an additional active ingredient called Sodium Dodecyl Benzene Sulfonate.

The version I can buy in shops

The version on the Lanxess website

 

[RoyalChick]

Hmm Virkon S in Australia appears to have an additional active ingredient called Sodium Dodecyl Benzene Sulfonate.

The version I can buy in shops

View attachment 4135424


The version on the Lanxess website

View attachment 4135425

That’s the same.
Same main active. Additional ingredient is probably in the 77% not individually listed on the US sheet.
I would be comfortable considering them the same.

 

[MaryJanet]

That’s the same.
Same main active. Additional ingredient is probably in the 77% not individually listed on the US sheet.
I would be comfortable considering them the same.

It's an amazing disinfectant. So thorough!

I'm going to make it part of my ongoing clean out procedure.

 

[BDutch]

@RoyalChick while you're here, may I trouble you for the name of the cleaning agent that breaks down the Marek's virus?

The Marek virus probably died already. How long can it survive without any host? If the virus is gone, it’s not necessary to clean with special detergents. Environmental friendly soap cleans too.

 

[MaryJanet]

The Marek virus probably died already. How long can it survive without any host?

For months, see this information page, which summarises Australian research and states, "When cell-associated, the virus may survive for months in poultry house litter or dust and is resistant to some disinfectants." (My emphasis).

This is why a disinfectant that is effective on Marek's is required.

For a long time in dry environments (Adelaide is the driest capital city on the driest continent, except for Antarctica which is technically a desert with no rain). See this paper.

If the virus is gone, it’s not necessary to clean with special detergents.

It's not gone.

But the chickens don't have it at this time.

Environmental friendly soap cleans too.

Do you know of any studies providing evidence that environmentally friendly soap is effective against the Marek's virus? If so, I'd love to read them!

 

[RoyalChick]

The Marek virus probably died already. How long can it survive without any host? If the virus is gone, it’s not necessary to clean with special detergents. Environmental friendly soap cleans too.

Depending on temperature and humidity it can survive at least three years. With MJ’s temperature and humidity I am guessing about 8 months.
https://pdf.sciencedirectassets.com...f125655545754005d50&rr=94743d24cb820c9c&cc=us

 

[BDutch]

For months, see this information page, which summarises Australian research and states, "When cell-associated, the virus may survive for months in poultry house litter or dust and is resistant to some disinfectants." (My emphasis).

This is why a disinfectant that is effective on Marek's is required.

For a long time in dry environments (Adelaide is the driest capital city on the driest continent, except for Antarctica which is technically a desert with no rain). See this paper.

It's not gone.

But the chickens don't have it at this time.

Do you know of any studies providing evidence that environmentally friendly soap is effective against the Marek's virus? If so, I'd love to read them!

You are right. Some viruses can live outside a host for a long time. Its not just Marek, but Norovirusses can survive in food, and on surfaces for weeks too. I didn’t know this before.
Lesson learned. Thanks for taking the time to explain.

 

[MaryJanet]

You are right. Some viruses can live outside a host for a long time. Its not just Marek, but Norovirusses can survive in food, and on surfaces for weeks too. I didn’t know this before.
Lesson learned. Thanks for taking the time to explain.

It's a fascinating topic. I've learnt so much lately.

Scientists are not even sure if viruses can be classified as "alive" because viruses don't meet all the criteria for "living". Most of the experts talk about viruses "breaking down" instead of "dying". The trick is to break a virus's capsule. Once that's gone, the virus isn't capable of harm any more and can be washed away.

Whereas bacteria are classified as "alive."

 

[BY Bob]

Several months ago, I bought some eggs for Mary to hatch. It didn't work out, but that's beside the point.

It turns out the same small business I got her eggs from also offers vaccinated chicks from some of the sex-linked breeds.

Good to know for the 2026-27 summer expansion, when I'll be thinking of vaccinated tiny pullets.

This seems to be a good plan.