Paralysis --> clean necropsy in affected (vaccinated) bird --> now another paralyzed bird?!!?

[StPaulieGirls]

Is something miserable just getting started in our flock, friends?

We've got 8-week old Buckeyes, on grass, organic grower rations. Vaccinated for Marek's.

Three days ago, we found a bird paralyzed, legs and one wing. One leg tended to stretch out, and the toes of the other curled, so we thought Marek's.

After we put the bird down, we did a necropsy, and everything looked beautiful. Shiny clean organs, no signs of lesions.

Today, another bird is showing early signs of the same paralysis.

I should add that these Buckeyes are from an NPIP breeder. They're living in a pen with our barnyard mix chicks (same age), none of which are showing issues.

I'm going to get some B vitamins to add to their water.

What the heck else could be going on?

Thanks!
- Kerri in MN

 

[Aapomp831]

Is something miserable just getting started in our flock, friends?

We've got 8-week old Buckeyes, on grass, organic grower rations. Vaccinated for Marek's.

Three days ago, we found a bird paralyzed, legs and one wing. One leg tended to stretch out, and the toes of the other curled, so we thought Marek's.

After we put the bird down, we did a necropsy, and everything looked beautiful. Shiny clean organs, no signs of lesions.

Today, another bird is showing early signs of the same paralysis.

I should add that these Buckeyes are from an NPIP breeder. They're living in a pen with our barnyard mix chicks (same age), none of which are showing issues.

I'm going to get some B vitamins to add to their water.

What the heck else could be going on?

Thanks!
- Kerri in MN

Have you checked their food for mold? What about anything toxic they could have eaten.... what weeds and plants to they have access to?

 

[StPaulieGirls]

Have you checked their food for mold? What about anything toxic they could have eaten.... what weeds and plants to they have access to?

We give them clean food and water three times a day. They're on the same patch of grass that we grew our pullets out on this time last year, and those birds were so healthy. I'll give the pen a once-over for anything untoward.

 

[Aapomp831]

We give them clean food and water three times a day. They're on the same patch of grass that we grew our pullets out on this time last year, and those birds were so healthy. I'll give the pen a once-over for anything untoward.

Hhhhhmm... that’s very strange. I’m sorry I can’t be much more help. It’s just that a sudden death to me would indicate poisoning.... please keep us updated. I’m sorry you’re going through this.

 

[StPaulieGirls]

The breeder just replied to a message I sent saying that another farm that bought her birds has lost 4 to paralysis and she's lost 2, but she doesn't know why. So sad.

 

[Eggcessive]

Sorry for your loss. Did the breeder vaccinate for Mareks or were they vaccinated by a hatchery? Chicks who are vaccinated myust be in a Mareks-free environment for at least 2 weeks before they develop immunity. So, Mareks could well be possible even if they were vaccinated. I am sorry that you possibly are dealing with this horrible disease. If you lose another, your state vet or RAL lab can test for Mareks. Here is a link for the RAL lab where you collect blood from a toenail, send it in, and that costs around $38:
http://www.vetdna.com/application/forms/aviansubmittalform.pdf

 

[humblehillsfarm]

So you did the necropsy? If no actual testing for disease was done, a clean carcass does not mean a disease-free bird. I would send the next one in for lab testing if at all possible.

 

[StPaulieGirls]

Yes, if we lose another bird, we'll definitely send in for testing.
The breeder did the vaccinations. We got birds from her last year and were incredibly impressed with their health and vigor. But this year, there seems to be an issue.
I've never had Marek's in my flock, and sort of imagined that her organs would pretty clearly show lesions, but it sounds like we might not be in the clear?
Gah. What a nightmare.
Thanks, folks, for the advice.

 

[Goosebaby]

There’s been an emerging disease called enterococcus spondylitis, or a form of kinky back, it’s a normal part of their gut flora but for unknown reasons it’s been seen to invade the spine and cause paralysis or neurological disorders through inflamation pinching off the nerve. I don’t know if that’s the cause but maybe look into that.

 

[humblehillsfarm]

I've never had Marek's in my flock, and sort of imagined that her organs would pretty clearly show lesions, but it sounds like we might not be in the clear?

I have no idea what to expect during any stage of Marek’s. I’ve done necropsys myself and thus far haven’t felt they’ve given me closure so next time something happens I’m going to send mine in. I already have the phone number for the state lab, a chicken sized box, and the freezer packs for shipping. I figured I’d be more likely to follow through if everything is ready. I lost my last bird to illness and was so devastated I had her buried and I regret it a lot.