Moving Forward- Breeding for Resistance to Marek's Disease

[Oakgrove99]

Did you have one of them tested for Mareks to confirm? the reason I ask is we thought we had Mareks same symptoms BUT it was not Mareks it was MG- Mycoplasma gynoviae which is very different very contagious and a bacteria. we had to cull our entire flock, decontaminate and start again BUT as a breeder we only started with hatching eggs from farms we felt would be least likely to have it, non carriers of other water fowl or turkeys. After hatch, the eggs that do not hatch we had tested a local lab to make sure they were clean because MG can pass vertically. we are now the ONLY small poultry breeder in KY that is certied NPIP MG/MS clean. You really should test if you have this again to make sure what you are dealing with. We have strict bio security now hoping that we do not get again. We had brought in some birds from MO that we felt like may have been the carriers before we knew about this awful bacteria.

 

[Oakgrove99]

MG hits all ages

 

[ochochicas]

Yes, we had some birds tested. They were confirmed Marek's. Since the virus can live in the soil for years, culling the entire flock didn't seem reasonable. I know who my carrier bird is. The older hens are all immune to it, and the younger ones are vaccinated. It ruined my plans of breeding and selling birds, but what can you do?

 

[SweetandSavory]

I believe we have Mareks, looking to confirm but not having luck with finding a vet or lab for necropsy.

You've all shared some great info. Thank you

 

[Oakgrove99]

Sweetnsavory. Where are you located we used a lab through the university

 

[SweetandSavory]

Sweetnsavory. Where are you located we used a lab through the university

New York. My understanding is the it's Cornell Unicersity but I'm assuming because of the holidays their not answering phones. They are many hours away

 

[ochochicas]

Sorry about your sick bird(s) Sweet and Savory. You can keep any deceased birds cool (in the fridge) and ship them via mail to the lab. You can also read the big Marek's thread to get more info if you'd like.

 

[Purpletie3]

New York. My understanding is the it's Cornell Unicersity but I'm assuming because of the holidays their not answering phones. They are many hours away

Here is the Cornell contact- leave her a message. She gets back to you. Once your bird dies put it right in the fridge as it starts to atrophy right away.

Jarra Jagne, DVM, DACPV
Senior Extension Associate/Extension Veterinarian
Animal Health Diagnostic Center
Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
Ithaca, NY 14850

Tel: 607-253-4031

 

[SweetandSavory]

Thank you!
I did end up getting in touch with her thru Ag & Markets. They actually overnighted one of my chickens to her.

Sadly we have Mareks and it is an "exceptionally bad one"

 

[lalaland]

sweetandsavory, I am so sorry to hear that mareks was confirmed and that it is a bad strain. I maybe missed this, but how many are in your flock? I am hoping you do not have the worst that seems to decimate the flock.