Rooster with mass in neck, possible tumor, thymus response -- Marek's

[warmheart]

This is such important and helpful information. Thank you for helping clarify things about Marek's for us. I really appreciate you finding the strength during your grieving to share what you are learning. Today I am wishing you and your flock only good things.

 

[Nambroth]

We are all set for testing. My vet called to confirm that they are able to send them off, and to take payment. The samples and blood goes out overnight this evening and hopefully I will know within a week. If it is not Marek's they will then proceed to test for the other retroviruses that cause these symptoms.

 

[CinnamonQueen]

Please, no Mareks!

 

[cluckcluckluke]

So is it best to get something else? Is Mareks just like the worst?

 

[Nambroth]

So is it best to get something else? Is Mareks just like the worst?

Marek's is pretty bad, because you will never be rid of it, unless you give up on keeping chickens and clean the area and let it go for a few years. Even then I understand it can travel in on the wind. It's incredible that more people don't have it in their flocks.. or perhaps, a lot of people don't realize they have it.
Marek's is also heartbreaking to watch, as there is no cure, and the chicken seems to suffer and remain aware until the end.

That said, the other retroviruses can be pretty bad too. Lymphoid leukosis, for example, can have similar symptoms, and can be vertically transferred (passed from mother hen to the chick though the egg) and horizontally transferred (from chicken to chicken).

 

[cluckcluckluke]

Oh, sounds pretty harsh. Can you test for it some how?

Yeah I have heard of Lymphoid Leukosis, that sounds just as bad if not worse. I hope it's something completely Different in your case.
So are you hoping for NO Mareks?

 

[chickenuout]

x2
No one will laugh. There's a special part in our hearts that only an animal can touch and fill with love. Only people who have loved an animal and have been loved back by one would ever be able to comprehend this. I'm so sorry for your loss and wish there was something i could say or do to ease your pain.

Only people that don't know what a rooster really is will laugh. Let me explain. People (non-chicken lovers/owners) would laugh not BYC people. We know that in order to have chickens and eggs there must be a rooster. It's a rule to get chicks every 21 days

 

[chickenuout]

The rooster rule. R.I.P prince Trousers

 

[Nambroth]

Oh, sounds pretty harsh. Can you test for it some how?

Yeah I have heard of Lymphoid Leukosis, that sounds just as bad if not worse. I hope it's something completely Different in your case.
So are you hoping for NO Mareks?

Yes, my vet has sent away a blood sample and nerve samples to be tested. It's rather expensive but it's worth my peace of mind and education to know if I have it in my flock or not.

Lymphoid leukosis is not as prolific in the environment as Marek's... it is much easier to remove from an area with disinfectants, though carrier birds will always shed it. Marek's is shed through feather dander and can carry for miles on the wind! It can track in on shoes, clothing, and bedding. It's much harder to control.

 

[Nambroth]

Only people that don't know what a rooster really is will laugh. Let me explain. People (non-chicken lovers/owners) would laugh not BYC people. We know that in order to have chickens and eggs there must be a rooster. It's a rule to get chicks every 21 days

People that don't care much for chickens or don't see them the way I do have laughed at me when I show how much I care. I don't think most people here would laugh.