Possible Mereks Threat?

[azygous]

Marek's lives forever in the chicken host's cells. Outside of the chicken host, the virus is the longest lived of all avian viruses. Even though the roo died several years ago, he passed the virus to the others before that. Now these chickens are carriers for life.

If you were to get rid of all your chickens, (you could butcher them and safely eat the meat) the virus would still live in the soil, bedding and dust in the corners of the coop and run for months, maybe years. A thorough and zealous scrubbing with Oxine could remove most of the virus, but the soil could be a problem.

The most practical solution is to be sure and have any new baby chicks vaccinated for Marek's, segregate them until they develop resistance, and then manage your remaining flock for optimal health to minimize the chances of active symptoms.

 

[FarmerGirl101]

Okay, so my little Loddie isn't vaccinated and will be going into the main coop.

 

[Wil781]

O

So how long can Mareks survive in a flock? The roo died like 2 years ago so idk if the would still be positive.

I have read that Mareks can remain viable in the ground for up to 7 years. Any further chicks that I may add will have to be vaccinated for Mareks.

 

[aart]

will have to be vaccinated for Mareks

Which may or may not be effective, depending on the strains involved.