New chicks

[rbum]

Is it bad to mix new chicks vaccinated for Mareks to flock that hasn't had the vaccine?

 

[Pork Pie]

I'm not aware that it would be an issue. I've kept birds that have had different vaccination regimes together with no issues whatever.

 

[Ridgerunner]

I would not hesitate, though I have a qualification further down. The vaccine for Marek’s should be Turkey Marek’s. They have been studying other things to protect against Marek’s, but as far as I know every hatchery in the US uses Turkey Marek’s as the base for their Marek’s vaccination. You can always call the hatchery to confirm that.

Turkey Marek’s will prevent the lesions that cause the problems from Chicken Marek’s from forming. It does not stop them from getting the Chicken Marek’s virus, they can still have it and be carriers, but since it stops the lesions from forming it stops the damage. The vaccine itself does not transmit Marek’s to other chickens.

My qualification is that the chicks need about two weeks after they are vaccinated with Turkey Marek’s for it to take effect. If they are exposed to chickens that have Chicken Marek’s in that time, the vaccination may not work. So you need to keep the chicks isolated from your flock for a couple of weeks after you get them in case your existing flock has Marek’s.

 

[rbum]

I'm not aware that it would be an issue. I've kept birds that have had different vaccination regimes together with no issues whatever.

Thanks