Unfortunately it can. My father has Marek’s in his flock. We KNOW it wasn’t because he bought an infected bird. We always buy chicks together from the same source and every chick he has ever raised was brooded at my house and (knock on wood) so far my property is disease free. But wild birds can carry Marek’s and that is most likely what happened to my Dad. Once it is on the property it stays. It can live years without a host.

BUT @Sassysouth having Marek’s doesn’t mean giving up on chicken keeping! (dad still has a flock going strong and laying up a storm!). And it is such a weird unpredictable disease that I would really not recommending culling birds unless they show clear symptoms.

And Sassy, :hugs:hugs:hugs
I am so sorry for your loss. But please don’t give up hope on the rest of them
It can be transferred from shoes and clothing
 

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