Possible Marek's - How long to watch for?

[Emak2323]

I have been scouring the internet for Marek's related information and find the need to post it here with all you knowledgeable helpful people.

4 weeks ago I foolishly acquired chickens from someone I didn't directly know (who was an animal control officer and assured me they were healthy). There were 9 of them and one of them was definitely sick. When I picked her up, she threw up a very foul smelling liquid and remained on her own (a leghorn). 6 days after bringing her home, I found her in the morning lying in the corner. I brought her inside and she wouldn't eat or drink. I put her down myself which was awful, but necessary. I read that she probably had sour crop and this could possibly be caused by Marek's. I also noticed some very green poop inside their coop (which I also read can be a sign). After watchign the rest of the flock, I noticed one of the other chickens shaking her head incessantly (which I also read can be Marek's), so finally after 12 days with these birds, I brought them back to where I got them.

In this time, I had them in their own coop, did not let them out, and changed my shoes between visiting their coop and my original girls' coop (I have another 9 chickens). I am so scared that my original girls might have it. They were vaccinated, but I've read that doesn't prevent it. My chickens are just over 1. I bought Oxine and have been disinfecting EVERYTHING in the coop the sick birds were in.

My question is...how long should I keep an eye on my girls to "rule out" Marek's? I of course am not positive this is what it was, but does it sound like it could be something else to anyone? I wanted to get more baby chicks this year (I will NOT be getting any more chicks from outside sources anymore), but I don't want them to be infected if my girls have it.

Thanks for any insight

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Unfortunately Mareks has a lot of unknowns about it. They don't sound like Mareks birds to me. Usually birds will lose the ability to walk, and will often sit with their legs out in weird angles, or they will walk like they are drunk. Most will continue to eat and drink, and they will slowly starve to death, or suffocate if not culled.

There are more nasty diseases than Mareks in my opinion. Many flocks can carry Mareks and owners don't know it. It's spread through dander, which can blow in on the wind or be brought in by wild birds.

A bird can carry Mareks for years and they only become sick when stressed. There are different strains of Mareks, some worse than others, so not everyone will experience the same things.

Odds are in your favor that your birds will be okay, at least as far as mareks. I personally only get chicks from one hatchery now, or hatching eggs. Bringing in anything else is always a gamble.

 

[Eggcessive]

I would agree that it doesn’t sound like Mareks, but you can never know what chickens obtained from another choice could possibly have. The one you put down most likely had a long term crop disorder. I would check them all for mites or lice, possibly treat them for worms, and watch their poops for any runny odd poops or any off behavior.

 

[Emak2323]

Unfortunately Mareks has a lot of unknowns about it. They don't sound like Mareks birds to me. Usually birds will lose the ability to walk, and will often sit with their legs out in weird angles, or they will walk like they are drunk. Most will continue to eat and drink, and they will slowly starve to death, or suffocate if not culled.

There are more nasty diseases than Mareks in my opinion. Many flocks can carry Mareks and owners don't know it. It's spread through dander, which can blow in on the wind or be brought in by wild birds.

A bird can carry Mareks for years and they only become sick when stressed. There are different strains of Mareks, some worse than others, so not everyone will experience the same things.

Odds are in your favor that your birds will be okay, at least as far as mareks. I personally only get chicks from one hatchery now, or hatching eggs. Bringing in anything else is always a gamble.

That is so encouraging! Thank you!! And yes...I definitely will NOT be taking that risk again.

 

[Emak2323]

I would agree that it doesn’t sound like Mareks, but you can never know what chickens obtained from another choice could possibly have. The one you put down most likely had a long term crop disorder. I would check them all for mites or lice, possibly treat them for worms, and watch their poops for any runny odd poops or any off behavior.

Ok I'll definitely keep an eye out. I've been watching closely for the green poop I noticed with the other chickens. Thank you!