alih Posted December 30, 2009 Share Posted December 30, 2009 My 2-year-old, Custard, as staggering around a week or so ago. She seemed to perk up after I fed her loads of protein and calcium. She has been limping now for a couple of days and curling up her left foot. I took her to our lovely vet who says it is either inflammation of her leg joint or Marek's in his view. She is ona course of antibiotics and anti-inflam for now to give her s chance if it is the former. He gave me a good explanation of Marek's and I have gleaned some info from this site already but wondered whether anyone has any direct experience of this in their chickens and what they were advised to do re the other chooks. Lovely vet tells me that most birds are only vaccinated for commercial life-term of about 14 months and can get the disease thereafter. He says the other chooks almost certainly have it but not all will show symptoms or become ill. Any experiences are welcome as I obviously want to do what is right for the flock as well as for Custard. Many thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daphne Posted December 30, 2009 Share Posted December 30, 2009 I lost an unvaccinated bought-in youngster to this at around 11-12 weeks. She was with her sister in quarantine as they were newbies, when Cotty died I left Buffy in quarantine for another 2 weeks away from my main flock. Buffy never showed symptoms and did go to live with other birds (unvaccinated) and "Ooops, word censored!"ody has ever shown symptoms. I know mareks could present at any time as its transmitted by dander, but its been 18months now and all is fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alih Posted December 30, 2009 Author Share Posted December 30, 2009 Thanks, Daphne, it's reassuring to think that if this is Marek's I won't necessarily lose the whole flock Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jools Posted December 31, 2009 Share Posted December 31, 2009 I haven't first hand experience of Mareks, but it's one of those diseases that has a lot of mentions, so I did a little research a few weeks ago and posted this. Basically, the virus is spread in dust and feather dander, but some birds have more of a resistance to it than others. Those that are slightly weaker or under stress are the most likely to suffer, but you won't necessarily lose your whole flock. If it's in a flock then most hobby breeders (pure breeds) cull any that exhibit symptoms as it's almost always fatal. Those that don't get it are used for breeding and their offspring inherit some immunity too. Commercial hybrids seem to vaccinated against just about everything, but nothing is 100% certain as you've sadly found out. Hope this helps and that your others remain healthy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alih Posted January 1, 2010 Author Share Posted January 1, 2010 Well the good news is that after 48 hours Custard is looking loads better - not limping now at all...still not laying but am relieved that for now the drugs DO work! Happy New Year all Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
