Paralyzed Hen/Mareks?

[horsejody]

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Not all chickens with Mareks have the characteristic stance. Probably most do, but not always. It usually hits the left leg, then the right, then the wings, then the neck. However it can come in any order. I really hope that her hen doesn't have Marek's, but paralysis is a strong indicator. Marek's is one of the most common chicken diseases in the world. It is common for a Mareks sufferer to be unable to walk or limp, but be perfectly happy to sit in one spot and eat and drink in a nice comfortable spot. My poor Mildred laid on her side for 3 weeks. She cooed at her friend Buffy (who stayed by her side outside the dog crate the whole time) and ate and drank like nothing was wrong. Mildred now runs around the yard with everybody else. She limps and has never been able to keep weight on very well, but she seems content.

 

[Corey NC]

Is it possible to test for Mareks?

 

[horsejody]

I have not heard of a test, but who knows. I do know that if the chicken dies, a necropsy could be done. I will PM you Dr Fulton's e-mail address. He is at MSU and is a poultry expert. Perhaps you could ask him.

 

[Corey NC]

It is defenately Mareks. She has progressed to a point where I can't justify allowing her to live.

 

[horsejody]

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Sorry to hear that.

 

[treehouse]

is there a way to vaccinate for mareks if they were not vac at the hatchery?
What about mixing them with my other chickens who did get the vaccination?

 

[horsejody]

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They should be vaccinated as day old chicks and properly quarantined for at least 10 days. Once they have been exposed to the great outdoors, the coop or adult chickens, they have been exposed. You can mix vaccinated and unvaccinated birds. Keep in mind that birds that have been vaccinated, but not properly quarantined for for ten days afterwards, could be carriers. All unvaccinated birds could be carriers.

 

[chicknmania]

How did you find out for sure it was Marek's? Did you have a necropsy done? There are a lot of diseases that mimic Marek's symptoms. WE had a hen last spring who had almost identical symptoms. Marek's was ruled out by people who should know, though her symptoms were very similar. She declined over a period of weeks to the point where she finally died, despite our frantic efforts to save her. In addition to diseases, they can get weird vitamin deficiencies which result in neurological problems. In the case of our sick hen, none of our other birds ever contracted whatever it was she had.

 

[treehouse]

how can you have a 10 quaran. with day old chicks being shpd out ?

 

[horsejody]

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They aren't exposed to much in the box while shipping. Just quarantine them when they get to your house.