Question about Marek's Vaccine (couldn't find answer on FAQ)

[Bird-mom]

So, I've decided to vaccinate my upcoming chicks for Marek's. I'm ordering the needed needles and such, but am hesitant with the vaccine itself. Since it is a live virus, how long will it live before it gets too old to use? There's one for about $34, but it is for 1000 dosages when I'm currently incubating 7 chicks, so I don't need that much as of now. It would be convenient if I could keep it on hand and not need to buy fresh vaccines each time I hatch chicks.

If anyone could provide advice or answers to how long it will survive, it would be a great help!

 

[Kiki]

Are you aware that the vaccine does NOT prevent the disease?

 

[Bird-mom]

Are you aware that the vaccine does NOT prevent the disease?

I am aware, but it does help the chick's immune system prepare a bit so they have a better chance to survive it. Thank you for responding so quickly.

 

[CzyChikenMath]

I don't vaccinate. I've lost birds to Merek's. I'm looking longterm. I want a strain that will have natural immunities but it hurts to loose them Yes, I know survivors are carriers. But I am interested in your question. I was told a while back from a hatchery that it's a dead vaccine, but didn't think that was right

 

[Bird-mom]

I don't vaccinate. I've lost birds to Merek's. I'm looking longterm. I want a strain that will have natural immunities but it hurts to loose them Yes, I know survivors are carriers. But I am interested in your question. I was told a while back from a hatchery that it's a dead vaccine, but didn't think that was right

I had been reading about one vaccine today which had said it was a live vaccine. It's sad knowing so many have lost birds to Marek's. I'm hoping to find the cure, someday.

 

[Kiki]

From what I have found there are currently three different Marek's vaccines on the market only one is available to the public. (Regular folks like BYCers.)

https://jeffers.cvpservice.com/product/basic/view/3690294
Which is a live virus.

 

[Kiki]

I had been reading about one vaccine today which had said it was a live vaccine. It's sad knowing so many have lost birds to Marek's. I'm hoping to find the cure, someday.

There are many different opinions out there...many believe the vaccine is only making the disease worse.
This chicken vaccine makes its virus more dangerous | PBS NewsHour

 

[Bird-mom]

From what I have found there are currently three different Marek's vaccines on the market only one is available to the public. (Regular folks like BYCers.)

https://jeffers.cvpservice.com/product/basic/view/3690294
Which is a live virus.

View attachment 1448294

Thank you for including that attachment! It showed exactly what I needed to know, that it all needs to be used the first time it's open! Thank you!

 

[Kiki]

Thank you for including that attachment! It showed exactly what I needed to know, that it all needs to be used the first time it's open! Thank you!

You are welcome.

 

[chickengeorgeto]

... I've decided to vaccinate my upcoming chicks for Marek's.... Since it is a live virus, how long will it live before it gets too old to use?... If anyone could provide advice or answers to how long it will survive, it would be a great help!

Once it is opened I MUST be used... it will not keep mostly because it is a live virus.

Are you aware that the vaccine does NOT prevent the disease?

I am unsure if that is 100% accurate.
It is my understanding (from back in the stone age) that there are about 7 major strains of herpes viruses that cause Marek's and a different vaccine is required to confer immunity to each strain. If that is true then it is entirely possiable to vaccinate for one strain and loose birds to a different strain.
The only way to breed resistance to this disease is to destroy any & all birds with it, and without mercy, because any bird that survives is a carrier.

Therefor by treating chickens with Marek's you are only selecting for or breeding chickens that will spread more Marek's throughout your flock and throughout your neighbors' flocks.