Necropsy in Progress - Marek's (?)

[brideofchaos]

Well, after losing probably 8 birds in the last 6 weeks, we prepared two of the latest victims (silkie and Saipan pullets) last night for necropsy and my hubby dropped them off at the lab today. Am 90% sure it's Marek's. All the affected were 3-4 months old. For some the lameness was swift and for a few, it was progressive. The only other culprit, I would gather, would be MG. Thankfully, my flock of 100 are for pets and eggs only, but it's heartbreaking nonetheless.

Have just dealt with conjuctivitis and usual upper respiratory snot, and thought we'd seen the last of the paralysis. Just a tough year for a lot of folks in the hobby, I think.

Anyone else have a paralysis issue in their flock that turned out to be something other than Marek's? I know they are probably all carriers now, and if not, at least exposed. And like humans, some will show symptoms and some will not. Needless to say, my flock is closed, as well, as a result.

 

[casportpony]

Well, after losing probably 8 birds in the last 6 weeks, we prepared two of the latest victims (silkie and Saipan pullets) last night for necropsy and my hubby dropped them off at the lab today.  Am 90% sure it's Marek's.  All the affected were 3-4 months old.  For some the lameness was swift and for a few, it was progressive.  The only other culprit, I would gather, would be MG.  Thankfully, my flock of 100 are for pets and eggs only, but it's heartbreaking nonetheless.  

Have just dealt with conjuctivitis and usual upper respiratory snot, and thought we'd seen the last of the paralysis.  Just a tough year for a lot of folks in the hobby, I think.

Anyone else have a paralysis issue in their flock that turned out to be something other than Marek's?  I know they are probably all carriers now, and if not, at least exposed.  And like humans, some will show symptoms and some will not.  Needless to say, my flock is closed, as well, as a result.

I have seen coccidiosis, worms and bacterial infections cause paralysis, lameness and ataxia.

-Kathy

 

[brideofchaos]

I wormed about two weeks ago and haven't seen any evidence of it...but have seen the upper respiratory and conjuncitivitis in the last few weeks...it's sad when I'm kinda hoping it's Mycoplasma sp. At least that is treatable. The way the lab does it here in NM is they do basic necropsy and bacteriology for a flat $58 for up to 3 birds (I sent two) and if they can't definitively say it's X...then they send out for Marek's, etc. for another $21. I should know something next week and at least then I can plan accordingly -- either medicate strongly for Myco or quickly dispatch birds showing any signs of Marek's.

If it's ends up being Myco...I've BEEN using Oxytetracycline (water-soluble) at the 800 mg dosage (for a solid week at a time). Still a few runny noses but not much sneezing anymore and the conjunctivitis has responded well to eye ointment. But if it's Myco, is there something BETTER that works? I don't mind doing Tylan injections (since water-soluable is ridiculously expensive) but injecting 100+ birds every day would be a bit daunting. Is there another oral or water soluble med more effective?

 

[brideofchaos]

Figured, I'd update. Yep, it was Marek's. Major coop overhaul and run scoured for feathers. We've had a little rain recently to help dampen the dander outside. Lost another silkie this week. Hoping it's the last one for a while. Next season, I'll have incoming chicks vaccinated but am going to start researching Marek's resistant breeds. Know silkies are particularly susceptible and have found, in my flock, so are d'uccles and Yokohamas. I've even lost one Saipan and two easter eggers.

Know some folks are actively breeding for resistance and that seems to be where I will be going. Know it's not completely avoidable...but 10 birds this year are enough.