Vaccinating a pullet for Marek's

[janicew1290]

I am about to buy a 9 month old pullet that hasn't been vaccinated for Marek's and wonder if its safe to have a vet adminiser it, given her age. Any input would be a great help! Oh, and I've had 4 of my older birds die of Marek's in the past year.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

It is too late. The bird has already been exposed to what is in the atmosphere and terrain.
Marek's vaccine must be administered in ovo or as day olds.
It is possible to vaccinate later but each day after day one, the vaccine becomes less effective. Basically the vaccine virus is in a race with that in the environment. Even a week old is likely too late.

 

[pennyJo1960]

agree with canoe too late have to be 1 day old time of hatch

 

[ChocolateMouse]

Yep. It's first week or not at all.