Not an Emergency...Marek's in the Flock

[Nambroth]

KAT, where in NY are you? It's a big state but I am only curious. My Marek's almost certainly came in with migrating birds, which is why I ask.

Also, the Virkon S info is great. I found pretty much the same thing after I carefully researched this year.

 

[KAT Bird]

I live in Chenango Forks, NY. There haven't been chickens on our property for at least 12 years prior to us owning them in 2013. So ours either came with the chicks (Country Max store, Mount Healthy Hatchery) or in the air/birds etc.

 

[Nambroth]

I live in Chenango Forks, NY. There haven't been chickens on our property for at least 12 years prior to us owning them in 2013. So ours either came with the chicks (Country Max store, Mount Healthy Hatchery) or in the air/birds etc.

You're about 3 hours East of me, but at least you have Cornell as a 'local' resource! Speaking of which, thanks for the reminder, I've added Dr. Jagne to my FAQ.
We had a major irregular bird migration last year/winter 2013/spring in the NorthEast, and that fits the timeline for when my flock became infected. I know I had hundreds more birds in the yard last winter, mostly irregular migrators such as Redpolls. NY did a series of testing after numerous reports of dead and dying birds, and found them to be often infected with Salmonella. Now, this is all just guesswork of course, because these birds don't "get" Marek's and would never show signs, but everything lines up just right for it, in my flock.

 

[KAT Bird]

Here is a copy of my dear Lucille's necropsy report, in case anyone wants to read it.

 

[seminolewind]

Hello everyone and sorry for all the heartbreaks all have experienced. I have lost about 20 French black copper marans since august to Mareks. At first I wasn't sure, but the blood test was performed and proved mareks. I am down to 15 of a mixed flock or breeds and ages. As of right now they all look great and most are laying, but they are still thin. Too thin, keels are evident. Today I put a heat lamp in their coop, as the temps will be single digit, and I'm concerned for their lack of body weight and causing them stress. We know stress can trigger downfall. Is their anything I can do to help fatten them up? Otherwise they are well cared for to help make them stressful fee and happy, 8x10 new coop, free ranging and lots of goodies. Advice please. Thanks.

You can only do your best. If they're thin, make them some French toast in the morning, nice and mushy.

 

[seminolewind]

Here is a copy of my dear Lucille's necropsy report, in case anyone wants to read it.

Thanks for posting it. Seems like she took on a lot before she succumbed to the virus. It was everywhere. So sad!

 

[seminolewind]

I use Virkon as well. A tub last forever. Every time I do a good cleaning, I connect this sprayer bottle to my hose and just spray away at everything, the whole inside of the coop and even drench the ground (for what good it might do). Anything to lower the concentration of virus.

 

[NJchixs]

Thanks Seminolewind. I did just that, made them some nice French toast with a side of kale and strawberries this morning. Yesterday they had cooked oatmeal with some olive oil. I'll just keep my fingers crossed.

I too will be using Virkon S. It was to be here Friday , but the snow delayed fedex till this Monday. What it the ration per gallon of water? I have a backpack sprayer to use besides bucket and brush for scrubbing down my incubator, brooder box and dog crates.

 

[KAT Bird]

Thanks for posting it.  Seems like she took on a lot before she succumbed to the virus.  It was everywhere.  So sad!

It really was sad. She was one tough chick! I didn't know how bad it was till I got the necropsy report back. I would have probably had her euthanized sooner if I had known. Other than going blind and losing weight she didn't show any other symptoms. She spent a lot of time peacefully napping on my lap and preening her feathers. She never developed any neurological symptom. Had full use of her legs/wings. The breathing issues didn't start until about three days before she passed. She was the first in my flock to get sick. The chickens that got sick after her, I gave them "special treatment" for a week and then had them euthanized. I just knew how it was going to end and I just didn't want them to suffer, although it is hard to tell when and if they do. Lucille never seemed in pain but I was holding her when she died and she panicked at the end. I also was very attached to Bertha and made the choice to have her euthanized by the vet because I didn't want her to suffer and I wanted to be with her when she passed. The vet had to give her the injection three times....she would drift off then come back. It was AWFUL! Then I started second guessing my decision to do it! I really hate this disease...

 

[KAT Bird]

Bertha and Lucille (the red head) I still miss them terribly....