Where can I have a necropsy done for Mareks? UPDATE

[Swiffer Duster Frizzle]

Although, I am in denial, I had a hen die recently that had symptoms resemble those of Mareks. I had another hen exhibit the same symptoms. So, I am prepared for her death. Does anyone know where I can have a necropsy done in the SW VA, or VA in general? I had researched VA tech and couldn't find any info on their site. Any ideas or leads?

 

[Frosty]

Here is a post from somebody in VA, you might find the info there. https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=69444

 

[Chickie_Banana]

I had a pullet die with signs of Mereks, I did a necropsy myself at home and posted pics on a forum. The tumour was very easy to find.

 

[7kids12hens]

I just had a necropsy done at our state lab here in nc. Can you believe I only live 5 minutes from it? Anyway, its through the USDA, and I only paid $30. contact the usda, they should be able to tell you. Mareks was ruled out with mine very quickly, so it must be easily identifiable. The swabs and cultures took longer to come back. They were very thorough and provide a final written report. If it is mareks, or any other reportable disease, they report it to the state, by law. Good luck.

 

[Swiffer Duster Frizzle]

Yesterday morning, I took three hens to the Virginia Dept of Agriculture and Consumer Services and had them euthanized in order for the Dr. to perform necropsies on each of them. They were in different stages of what I suspect is Marek's. VDACS called later yesterday afternoon with the preliminary findings. Dr. Brown found an enlarged sciatic nerve, and crystallized white masses on and around the kidneys, among other things. He was sending samples to VA Tech and would keep me posted.
It's all very, very discouraging. I have invested thousands into my stock. I had chicks hatch last week, and the week before. Unfortunately, they were exposed to the main flock. I have always been concerned about biosecurity, but then felt I was being paranoid. Over the past year I have had many people enter my yard to take my overstock of roosters, guineas and ducks. I'm just soooo angry and upset. I realize this disease could have been picked up anywhere...TSC, Southern States, wildlife, but if I had taken the proper precautions, maybe I would not have to cull my stock. I'm just waiting for the VDACS to confirm the dx. darn!
Oh, and unfortunately the people that had taken my overstock have now spread whatever this is to their flock. I can't even contact these people because I advertized on Craigslist and the boards at the farm stores. This is sooooo sad!

 

[seminolewind]

Hi. I was surprised when I found out too. It was a sad thing. You did the right thing in finding a lab.
You may want to hold off on culling your whole flock. The virus will be on your property for a long time.
The survivors will have resistance. Their offspring will even have some resistance.
Any chick you get or hatch from now on will have to be vaccinated and quarantined for at least 2-4 weeks.The vaccine should prevent them from dying. But the vaccine does not prevent vaccinated birds from getting and shedding the virus.

I gave birds away prior to knowing too. Chances are that their chickens are old enough to be resistant. Or they have the virus anyway.
The only thing you can do at this point is vaccinate any day old chick you get , and quarantine them for 2-4 weeks. Aside from that, keep the coop cleaned more often, and spray down the inside with Oxine. You won't eliminate all the virus, but you will cut down on the exposure, and give the chickens a greater chance of getting resistance.

I'm sorry for anyone who goes thru this. It's a sad thing

 

[Swiffer Duster Frizzle]

Quote:
Thank you for understanding. I have orders for Marek's, Pox, Newcastle vaccines, and Oxine on the way.
Sigh...I have chicks hatching on Monday.

 

[tiki244]

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Wow I would love to see those pictures. So sorry for your loss