Can anyone offer information about "Marek Immunization" for chicks? We've recently started raising chicken/chicks (we are in Indiana) and are wondering if this immunization is neccessary if you only have a small flock / coop? We currently have 7 chicks and 5 adult chickens. We purchased the chicks from a local farm supply store and are assuming that they've been immunized; as no one at the store seemed to know anything at all about the chicks, i.e. breed? age? etc! We ordered a brochure from a Hathcery and this is where we first learned about the Marek Immunization, unfortunately the brochure did not offer any information as to what the Marek Immunization is, or what it is for. Thank you in advance for your "expert" advise/information...you all are great!!! I love this place!

-- K Phillips (Philli@Peoplepc.com), April 03, 2002

Answers

yeah i was wondering the exact same thing...so...surprise, i have no answer. hehehe. i'm gonna get about 25 chicks so i'm wondering about immunization too. :)

-- C (punk_chicadee@yahoo.com), April 03, 2002.

found a site w/ info on vaccinations: http://www.ianr.unl.edu/pubs/animaldisease/g1202.htm

-- C (punk_chicadee@yahoo.com), April 03, 2002.

Found this re: MAREKS DISEASE

Synonyms Cause Incidence Clinical signs Diagnosis Transmission Economic Control

SYNONYMS

MDV, lymphomatosis, transient paralysis.

CAUSE

Viral- Herpesvirus

INCIDENCE

Three serotypes. Serotype 1 oncogenic strains varying markedly in pathogenicity. The disease is seen worldwide and its effects are related to pathotype present in a specific country or area. Globally, it is mainly a disease of layers and broiler breeders. Broiler mortality and condemnations in some countries (eg USA).

CLINICAL SIGNS

1. Classical Mareks disease. Mortality variable (usually less than 15%), infiltration or peripheral nerves leading to wing or leg paralysis. 2. Acute Mareks disease. High mortality (up to 35%) with widespread visceral lymphomatous tumours. 3. Transient paralysis. Uncommon, central nervous system infection between 5 and 18 weeks of age in commercial layers. 4. Floppy broiler syndrome. Central nervous infection of broiler. Sporadic in incidence, often in association with acute virulent Mareks disease in the area.

DIAGNOSIS

Post mortem lesions. Gross enlargement of peripheral nerves in classical disease, discrete or nodular tumours of the liver, spleen, lungs, kidney, ovary and proventriculus in acute disease. Some skin tumours of feather follicles in examination of affected organs.

TRANSMISSION

Mareks disease is not egg transmitted. Chicks are hatched virus-free, picking up infection from the environment from day-old. Infection and excretion of virus persists through the life of the bird. Spread in a poultry shed is by feather follicle cells and in respiratory secretion. Feather dander infects house dust and litter. Virus persists in the environment at least a year. Alphitobius beetles can carry the virus.

ECONOMIC

High losses through very virulent Mareks disease pathotypes, especially in layers and breeders. Loss of performance and downgrading of broilers. Background challenges immunosuppressive.

CONTROL

There is some genetic resistance to the development of the disease after infection. Breeding for genetic resistance is taking place. Birds develop age resistance. Females appear more susceptible than males. Commercial vaccination at day old is the norm for layers and breeders. Performance improvement and prevention of skin Mareks in broilers following day old vaccination. Vaccine strain used depends on local challenge. Effective cleansing and disinfection is important in reducing environmental challenge to reduce the immunosuppresive effects and improve response to vaccination.

Suitable disinfectants include Virkon S , Longlife 250S or Farm Fluid S after cleaning with HD3 or DSC1000

-- Kathy Aldridge (beckoningwinds@yahoo.com), April 03, 2002.

Thank you Kathy for the information, I truly appreciate your response and is loaded with all of the information I was seeking out. And thank you C for the link I am on my way to check it out. Have a great day and be blessed....

-- Kathy (Indiana) (Philli@Peoplepc.com), April 03, 2002.

It really depends on where you live. Some areas are rampant with Mareks and some have never had it. The problem is that you usually don't know because you can have it in one part of your county and none in another. We have always purchased our chicks with the vacination. We figure that by time they are old enough to eat, it will work it's way out. It is not worth the risk because if you ever do get it, you can't raise chickens in the same place for years! You can't kill the darn disease with disenfectants, etc. so we just don't take the chance. You can get the vaccine from the breeder and usually costs just a little over $2 to vaccinate 25 chicks. Well worth the $2!

-- Karen (mountains_mama2@hotmail.com), April 03, 2002.

My friend had a chicken die from something she thought was Mareks disease so she invested in the expensive serum only to find out that it is fairly rare and that most people don't immunize for it. I don't know about Indiana but in California it is not required. She never found out if her chicken had Mereks or not for sure but none of the rest of her flock got sick with the same symptoms. You could call one of the hatcheries for details. I think that that is where she got her information......Murray McMurray in Iowa is very helpful. Their number is 800-456-3280 and they carry the immunization if you have a desire to buy it. With a small flock I wouldn't bother. I've had chickens for a number of years now with no problems.

-- cindy palmer (jandcpalmer@sierratel.com), April 03, 2002.

Some hatcheries do not recommend vaccinating for Marek's for the small home flock. I order from Ideal Hatchery and they state this on their brochure. I've had birds for years and have never vaccinated. I'm evidently doing good things; I've never had a bird with any kind of sickness! Here's hoping this continues.

My birds only come from hatcheries or my hens. I don't purchase birds from auctions, swap meets, feed stores, shows, etc., so this might make a difference.

-- ~Rogo (rogo2222@hotmail.com), April 03, 2002.