How to Prevent Marek's Disease in Chickens

Marek's Disease is an extremely contagious viral disease in chickens. People have been studying this poultry disease extensively as it is related to the research on cancer in various species, including humans. When the vaccine for this dangerous disease was produced, it marked the first step towards anti-cancer vaccine effective for any animal species.

Different viruses can cause this disease. The most common one is visceral and affects the eye nerves of chickens.

Limb paralysis is another extremely common symptom of Marek's Disease. The most common manifestations include slight to severe paralysis of the legs, wings, or neck. The outcome is fatal with death occurring due to the chicken's inability to procure water and food. It is not uncommon for an ill bird to die because it is tramped over by other members of the population.

'Transient paralysis' is another symptom of this disease resulting in dropped wings. This symptom can be cured. During night-time you can notice the infected birds having irregularly shaped pupils, light-sensitivity, and gray cloudy eyes. These might be indicators of imminent blindness. In the visceral form of the disease, 'wasting' is noticed.

Although the disease is very contagious, transmission to the eggs does not take place directly.

An inborn immunity called 'age resistance' automatically develops in the chicks within five months of their birth. Hence, it is imperative that the chicks are raised away from the affected chickens. Some older chickens that still survive after being infected with Marek's Disease can remain carriers. Chickens from other flocks might also bring the disease with them. Birds generally get affected between the age of five to twenty-five weeks.

However, the disease might affect chickens even after the age of twenty-five weeks if the birds have been under considerable stress. Birds that are a couple of years old might also get affected with another similar disease known as 'Lymphoid Leukosis'. Tumors and internal lesions occur, but symptoms, such as paralysis, are not observed.

Preventing the birds from being exposed to the Marek's Disease is tough as they might get affected in various ways. The disease can be airborne too. The most effective measure for prevention is the complete sanitization of the brooders. Vaccination is another important measure for the disease's prevention. Vaccines are available on the market. You can get this vaccine from a store or over directly delivered to your home.

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