A friend of mine recently came into contact with an unscrupulous chicken breeder at a TSC swap meet and was unfortunately (and knowingly; by the seller) sold a sick bird. Weakness in limbs, terrible balance, etc - possibly Marek's. He dropped the chicken off today to be euthanized and to have a necropsy performed. In the interim, they're expecting the worst and fearful that their property has been subjected to Marek's and potentially endangering the rest of his flock.
So... A few questions.
I've read about Marek's; understand it's bad and can grasp the symptoms. However; the aftermath is a bit confusing. If the necropsy comes back Marek's positive, what are the best options? Cull his entire flock (about 10 chickens), sanitize, and start over? Wait and see if any other chickens show signs?
That's the point of confusion I guess. From posts here and elsewhere, it seems as if Marek's is 'everywhere.' If that is the case, I'm not getting why more birds don't get it. Is it something in the environment that even if exposed, chickens can overcome (unless they show symptoms)? Or is the presence of it a virtual death sentence for a flock?
So... A few questions.
I've read about Marek's; understand it's bad and can grasp the symptoms. However; the aftermath is a bit confusing. If the necropsy comes back Marek's positive, what are the best options? Cull his entire flock (about 10 chickens), sanitize, and start over? Wait and see if any other chickens show signs?
That's the point of confusion I guess. From posts here and elsewhere, it seems as if Marek's is 'everywhere.' If that is the case, I'm not getting why more birds don't get it. Is it something in the environment that even if exposed, chickens can overcome (unless they show symptoms)? Or is the presence of it a virtual death sentence for a flock?
