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My chicken might have marek's, is it safe to eat?

Discussion in 'Meat Birds ETC' started by FarmerDenise, Jan 1, 2009.

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  1. Jan 1, 2009 #1
    FarmerDenise

    FarmerDenise Songster

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    We have had a problem with our chickens coming down with marek's disease. Since one cannot always tell, if a bird has the disease, I would like to know if it is ok to eat it.
    We did butcher one of our extra roosters, but have been afraid to eat him, especially since we lost another one to marek's since we did the butchering. We planned on butchering a few more, but the freezer is full.
     
  2. Jan 2, 2009 #2
    silkiechicken

    silkiechicken Staff PhD Premium Member

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    I personally wouldn't eat a sick bird showing symptoms, however, if there were no signs of anything... I'd probably still eat it. Mericks is something that an immunity can be devloped against, not transmitable to humans, and so if you can eat a healthy bird who has gained an immunity to it, I'd think a bird who might be exposed, but with immunity would be fine too.
     
  3. Jan 2, 2009 #3
    becky3086

    becky3086 Crested Crazy

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    I wouldn't eat it. What if it wasn't Marek's and was something else?
     
  4. Jan 2, 2009 #4
    spook

    spook Songster

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    Contact your State Vet, he/she will know the facts. I would say no to eating them, although you can eat birds with MG, CRD as long as its been through the Bio-Secure time and for example; 20 days after their last dose of antibiotic.
    I was told that you can eat birds that have MG/CRD as long as they are not showing signs of disease and make sure you cook hot enough to make sure all bacteria/virus is killed.
    Good luck and perhaps someone will have information for you online, or even looking it up online.
     

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