Moving Forward- Breeding for Resistance to Marek's Disease

[tridentk9]

Chooks and George.  Breeding for resistance I would think is very difficult in that there are many many factors that come into play.  Like we've said before, it's like fighting a ghost.  I wonder how many times it's been tried by researchers and their results printed.  Not just one experiment by one scientist.

Also, humans being humans, there is always room for unintentional mistakes.  And a person can't be condemned for not caring or not knowing because they still have (had) the best of intentions.

Fern is not doing well.  Is there any way to euthanize with a block or wood over her neck and a hammer?  I know this is crude but I don't want her to bleed out since she'll be sent for a necropsy.  Would it be cruel?

There are several lines already in the hands of scientists that are resistant to MDV as well as lines that are susceptible.

They even know some of the genes that are responsible for resistance.

Would it be possible to use baking soda, vinegar and a container? BYC has a post giving directions for that method.

 

[JeanR]

Marek's Disease is not painful for the bird "suffering" the symptoms. Frustration, because they cannot move, first offbalanced, then not at all, is all the bird is troubled with. It is a nerve disease and apparently deadens the feeling. So you might just let her pass quietly, offering food and water as long as she wants it. She will fade away and then can go for necropsy. My vet does not do poultry--and no Vets in our area do, but he sent my early infected bantam, to a University for necropsy--and got a very good report from them.

Have not seen Coccidiosis with the one sided weakness of Marek's D., just general weakness (and never had it appear without bloody poop--but it can.) I feed medicated Starter until pullets begin to lay-=-and have not had cocci infected bird, for years. Wet grass holds the Protozoa that causes the Cocci infection and wet pens (or even a continually wet corner under the waterers,) are the places it can thrive. Medicated starter gradually develops immunity (probably for life) in spite of what some people believe. And dry bedding always, in the pens, and on dry grass outside--you may never see it! Good luck.

 

[seminolewind]

The deed is done. I started with 30 ml of vodka tubed. 30 minutes later her head is drooping, and I used an ax She never knew. I like the vodka idea. I used 30 ml, it worked on a chicken that had no fat left on her body.
I held her during that time. Her name had become Fern when I saw speckledhen's picture of her Fern and a tipped over flower pot. The vet's office was closed for the weekend. And it was time. She'll be going for a necropsy on Monday.

Funny, after I got her out to hold her, I went and dug a hole before I realized that it wasn't needed.

 

[Eggcessive]

Sorry for your loss again, Karen. What a horrible week you have had!

Kim

 

[seminolewind]

Quote:
I have some claustrophobia and I can't smother, drown or cut off anything's O2. I take them to the vet or I like rapid quick speed like an ax. It's sad all around .

 

[seminolewind]

Marek's Disease is not painful for the bird "suffering" the symptoms. Frustration, because they cannot move, first offbalanced, then not at all, is all the bird is troubled with. It is a nerve disease and apparently deadens the feeling. So you might just let her pass quietly, offering food and water as long as she wants it. She will fade away and then can go for necropsy. My vet does not do poultry--and no Vets in our area do, but he sent my early infected bantam, to a University for necropsy--and got a very good report from them.

Have not seen Coccidiosis with the one sided weakness of Marek's D., just general weakness (and never had it appear without bloody poop--but it can.) I feed medicated Starter until pullets begin to lay-=-and have not had cocci infected bird, for years. Wet grass holds the Protozoa that causes the Cocci infection and wet pens (or even a continually wet corner under the waterers,) are the places it can thrive. Medicated starter gradually develops immunity (probably for life) in spite of what some people believe. And dry bedding always, in the pens, and on dry grass outside--you may never see it! Good luck.

Hi. I know it's not painful but I think starving is. Yesterday she looked content. Today she looked miserable.

 

[speckledhen]

Hi. I know it's not painful but I think starving is. Yesterday she looked content. Today she looked miserable.

Poor sweet Fern.

 

[JensChickies]

The deed is done.  I started with 30 ml of vodka tubed.  30 minutes later her head is drooping, and I used an ax   She never knew.  I like the vodka idea.  I used 30 ml, it worked on a chicken that had no fat left on her body.
I held her during that time.  Her name had become Fern when I saw speckledhen's picture of her Fern and a tipped over flower pot.  The vet's office was closed for the weekend.  And it was time.  She'll be going for a necropsy on Monday. 

Funny, after I got her out to hold her, I went and dug a hole before I realized that it wasn't needed. 

I'm sorry for your loss.

 

[BantamLover21]

I'm sorry for your loss, Seminolewind. I bet Fern was a wonderful hen.

 

[speckledhen]

The deed is done. I started with 30 ml of vodka tubed. 30 minutes later her head is drooping, and I used an ax She never knew. I like the vodka idea. I used 30 ml, it worked on a chicken that had no fat left on her body.
I held her during that time. Her name had become Fern when I saw speckledhen's picture of her Fern and a tipped over flower pot. The vet's office was closed for the weekend. And it was time. She'll be going for a necropsy on Monday.

Funny, after I got her out to hold her, I went and dug a hole before I realized that it wasn't needed.