Okay, so what is the difference between vaccinating with HVT, vs. exposing them to HVT via turkey dander, droppings, etc? Why is one of these considered 'masking weaker birds' and the other not?
Possibly because the vaccines prevent most susceptible birds from dying outright.
Statistically speaking, there's far greater risk of viral mutations occurring in even non mixed flocks where combination vaccines are used, and/or strong chemical/artificial treatments, than from species mixing as they naturally do.
Please understand, I am not trying to be argumentative, but can you provide any sources that support this?
It's been documented in hospitals and laboratories for decades, as well as 'in the field' in veterinary science... :/
Your very response there, asking for sources, is in response to a post containing one source I cited.
If you've somehow not been exposed to that knowledge before, then I suggest you do your research (not trying to be rude) because I haven't been collecting sources to back up future statements of something that is so widely known and accepted, since naturally I foresaw no future need for it, lol!
You do understand that viral mutations are spontaneous and either go on to be a successful mutation (more easily overcomes the immune system-- thus, more virulent) or an unsuccessful one (does not survive the immune system's attack) regardless of method of exposure, but is in direct interaction with immune response?
Yes. I do understand that. What a bizarre question. What's your point?