That necropsy report sure isn't encouraging news for your remaining flock, but there's hope.
I have lymphotic leucosis in my flock, and it's manageable. Marek's in a flock is much worse, although new chicks brought into a flock can avoid the virus by being vaccinated. No such vaccination is available for LL, though. However, LL is a virus that many, if not most chickens can develop resistance to. The majority of my flock has developed this resistance so mortality is low when the flock is managed to promote maximum health and their environment is kept as free of bacteria as possible. My oldest flock members have been carrying LL their whole lives and are approaching eleven, twelve, and thirteen years of age.
Other BYC members who have Marek's in their flocks have managed the virus, as well, and some symptoms have been able to be reversed with medication and supportive care.
Having an avian diagnosis for a flock is not always a death sentence.
I have lymphotic leucosis in my flock, and it's manageable. Marek's in a flock is much worse, although new chicks brought into a flock can avoid the virus by being vaccinated. No such vaccination is available for LL, though. However, LL is a virus that many, if not most chickens can develop resistance to. The majority of my flock has developed this resistance so mortality is low when the flock is managed to promote maximum health and their environment is kept as free of bacteria as possible. My oldest flock members have been carrying LL their whole lives and are approaching eleven, twelve, and thirteen years of age.
Other BYC members who have Marek's in their flocks have managed the virus, as well, and some symptoms have been able to be reversed with medication and supportive care.
Having an avian diagnosis for a flock is not always a death sentence.
