Sudden deaths in my flock need help

[Chickensandhorsesforlife]

Mareks is my best guess

 

[Moges amha]

As far as I know there is nothing you can do for Marek's. There is an immunization but it has to be given to freshly hatched chicks.

Which amazing was not given to them from the hatchery i got them from .. any idea on the mortality rate? Cuz my is up to 15% and counting but the funny part is there not dying at once. They die one or two per day

 

[Moges amha]

Sorry to hear to that. You'll need to disinfect everything that the chickens came in contact with. And keep a regular cleaning schedule. If you still have some survivors, don't get anymore chickens cause they might be carriers and start the spread again.

I had 650 and as of today i have lost about 100 chickens . I have no plans of getting new one but the flock i already have are giving me stress cuz they still are dying and there is nuting i cud do

 

[abpatchy]

Which amazing was not given to them from the hatchery i got them from .. any idea on the mortality rate? Cuz my is up to 15% and counting but the funny part is there not dying at once. They die one or two per day

I am sorry to say it could kill all of them. But with the numbers you got you will probably not lose all. I can't give you an estimate on that.
I am really sorry!

 

[micstrachan]

In what country are you located? Virulent Newcastles disease virus can be common in certain areas, especially in Asia and Africa. We don’t see it here is the US, except for a short outbreak in southern California 2 years ago. It causes sudden death without symptoms, respiratory signs, wry neck (torticolis) and other neurological symptoms, then death. Here is some reading about it:
http://www.poultrydvm.com/condition/newcastle-disease

I did not know wry neck was a symptom of Virulent Newcastles. Good info.

 

[micstrachan]

I had 650 and as of today i have lost about 100 chickens . I have no plans of getting new one but the flock i already have are giving me stress cuz they still are dying and there is nuting i cud do

I am sorry you have lost so many and it is causing you stress. You said they are positive for Marek’s, right? The best thing you can do in my opinion is provide good nutrition, clean water and as little stress as possible. Are they only kept indoors? They would probably benefit from some some outside, though that would contaminate the property, if it’s Marek’s. Are they a food source for you? Business?
If the weather allows, would you be willing to let them outside? Do you have predators that could be a problem for them?
Sorry not to be of more help. I keep a small (13) backyard flock and have no experience managing a big flock like yours.

 

[Moges amha]

I am sorry to say it could kill all of them. But with the numbers you got you will probably not lose all. I can't give you an estimate on that.
I am really sorry!

Thank you for the concern hopefully that wont happen

 

[Chickensandhorsesforlife]

loks like wry neck

 

[Moges amha]

I am sorry you have lost so many and it is causing you stress. You said they are positive for Marek’s, right? The best thing you can do in my opinion is provide good nutrition, clean water and as little stress as possible. Are they only kept indoors? They would probably benefit from some some outside, though that would contaminate the property, if it’s Marek’s. Are they a food source for you? Business?
If the weather allows, would you be willing to let them outside? Do you have predators that could be s problem for them?
Sorry not to be of more help. I keep a small (13) backyard flock and have no experience managing a big flock like yours.

I keep them well hydrated and feed, its my priority and i have seen their resistance grow because of my management. They are kept in door but half of their coop is mesh wire and is open thru out the day. I have plenty of space but i am afraid wild birds my bring some kinda of diseases. There are alot of diseases in my country specially New Castle. And they get enof sun light. They are a source of bussiness for me hopefully a good one cuz this is my frist flock FINGERS CROSSED. Every reply i get from every one here is helpfull thank you so much

 

[KaseySnow]

So sorry to read about Mareks in your flock. I have it in my flock too and it is really frustrating and sad to watch chickens die from it.

I think it would be really, really helpful for you to read through this entire article so you can best know how to care for your flock now that you know you have Mareks:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/the-great-big-giant-mareks-disease-faq.66077/

Most likely more of your birds will die. I've had a young, healthy chicken die from Mareks over a year after they were exposed. The chickens that survive into old age will be resistant, but they will all carry the disease for life and very easily spread it to others. Mareks spreads on wild animals that visit your property, stray chicken feathers, and even on the wind. It is highly contagious.

Since you take your eggs to market, I would suggest making sure you change clothes before going so that you don't bring Mareks with you on your shoes and clothes to infect other people's flocks. Also disinfect your egg trays every time they get used. This hardest part of this will probably be getting a good biosecurity routine in place for your business. The article has great tips on biosecurity.

You should also advise people to wash their hands after handling the eggs to prevent spread since the eggs will have Mareks on them from being laid in the nesting material.