Moving forward with Marek's...

[Trevorusn]

My cockerel Galil went in for a necropsy this past Wednesday and the preliminary report found lymphoma lumps in several areas likely caused by Marek's. Granted it is an educated guess, but with it being so prevalent the odds favor it being Marek's or at least similar like avian leukosis. Moving forward, I have 30 birds still between the ages of 8 months to 5 years. I have lost 5 birds since last year, 4 now having died in similar fashion. How much more of my flock am I looking at losing? I read the massive Marek's FAQ on this forum, it helps show Marek's is not neccessarily a death sentence, but what can I do now moving forward for my current and future birds??

 

[LikeTurkeys]

I have zero experience with Marek's but have always feared it coming into my flock. Just out of curiosity, how do you think your flock became infected? Did you introduce any new birds or...? Sorry to hear of your situation of course... hoping someone can weigh in and answer your question.

 

[Trevorusn]

I have zero experience with Marek's but have always feared it coming into my flock. Just out of curiosity, how do you think your flock became infected? Did you introduce any new birds or...? Sorry to hear of your situation of course... hoping someone can weigh in and answer your question.

With Marek's, it can be in the soil, from wild birds, from a flock 50 miles away. It is shed with feather dander, so it can come and go almost everywhere. Trying to pinpoint where it originated is almost impossible as it can travel on clothes, boots, or anywhere a feather can float.

 

[LikeTurkeys]

With Marek's, it can be in the soil, from wild birds, from a flock 50 miles away. It is shed with feather dander, so it can come and go almost everywhere. Trying to pinpoint where it originated is almost impossible as it can travel on clothes, boots, or anywhere a feather can float.

Which is why I am so afraid of it. Was this a home necropsy or did you send it into a lab? I am very sorry for your losses, and hope you don't lose any more or at least not too many.