Possible Marek's disease? Video link included

[mfjohnson]

Sally, one of our Easter Eggers, began developing a limp about a week ago. At first, it was just a very mild, almost unnoticeable. However, since then it has gradually worsened. She is to the point she has very difficulty standing on leg (her right). we cant seem to find any specific causes for the limp (no injuries, deformities, etc). She still eats and drinks well. No one else in the flock has shown any signs of problems (she is 19 weeks old, we had her and the 4 others for about 10 weeks). One important fact, she and the others have had no vaccinations.

Also, nothing else appears to be wrong with her. She sounds the same, symmetric pupils,.

Any thoughts?

Thanks!
Mike

 

[JerseyGiantfolk]

Looks a lot like Marek's. Are her foot pads hard or plain soft?

There has been some suspicion to solving Marek's though, since I stopped raising chicks for the spring I haven't had time to try the remedy, and I don't know if it would work or not.

But I did have a major Marek's issue on one of my JG roosters. He would seizure, couldn't stand it got so bad. I does spread and forms a tumor inside the chicken.

The only thing different I gave him was Poly-vi-sol with no iron. When I used a dropper mixed with water and Poly-vi-sol and gave it to him everyday, he improved. And one day he started walking. So you can started mixing 5 mL or 1tsp of Poly-vi-sol per gallon of water with your whole flock. (It's good for them anyways) You can get Poly-vi-sol at drugstores; Safeway, CVS.

 

[mfjohnson]

The right pad feels similar to the left, somewhat soft. Thanks for the advice on the vitamin water, she is now on that.

Also, is there anything I should/can do for the other girls? I believe if it's Merak's dz, it's a little too late to separate them. Right?

Thanks for the help!
Mike

 

[JerseyGiantfolk]

Just contain the one with the disease, it's a virus and can spread. So just keep her separate.

When the virus reaches the chicken it forms a paralysis, and can spread over her body, causing the chicken to have trouble standing. This next part is often, but sometimes doesn't happen if it's minor: When it gets to a certain point, the chicken can start having uncontrollable seizures, and you have to help get food and water down their throat.

Sometimes chickens that are over 2 years won't get it, or are immune.