Does Marek's Vaccine Shed?

[Shnookie]

Good article. Thanks.

[Lori]

Thanks for all the info everyone....now i have a couple more questions. It seems like it is hard for the average backyard flock keeper to get hold of the vaccine here in Canada.....does that mean that not many of you vaccinate for it? Or do you make sure to buy all your chicks and chickens vaccinated? I've been reading lots about it this weekend, and it seems like you don't NEED to vaccinate in a closed flock (although there is still risk in not doing so). But I read that if you A) show your birds, B) ever attend buy, sell, trade sales, or C) have other poultry keepers coming to your property because you sell chickens or eggs, you should have your whole flock vaccinated. I don't know anyone who keeps chickens and doesn't do one or more of those three things. So, knowing that not everyone vaccinates, how many of you have actually had problems with Marek's or known someone who has? I just feel that this is a huge problem that I was completely oblivious to before now, and I'm wondering if I'm reading way to much into this, or it really is as big a deal as what it seems to be?

[Killerbunny]

I do not vaccinate for Mareks because I would rather have resistant flock. many birds have had the virus but don't show symptoms and get over it with no worries. There are at least 6 different strains and the vaccine doesn't cover them all anyway. The one thing I vaccinate for is Infectious Laryngotracheitis (ILT) because its such a horror, a few folks on here have been through it. It's quite a worry though that they may be causing a more virulent strain. My conspiracy theory side is thinking it's a way for the big guys to try and remove backyard flocks and their inherent "dangers". In the end it's up to the individual and their management system. I rarely bring in birds unless I know the flock they're from but I bring in eggs. When I sell a bird I VERY CLEARLY state when it has been vaccinated for ILT (non-shedding).

[WLLady]

I'm the same. i don't vaccinate because i want hardier stock....

[Ontario Chick]

Same here, I prefer breeding resistant flock, that said I seldom bring in new birds.
I am a firm believer in lots of fresh air sunshine and clean coop, go a long way to keeping the flock healthy.
Both eggs (hatching and eating) sales are done off the property, and barn clothes aren't worn anywhere else.
Like others mentioned your flock management depends on what works for you, tiny bit of paranoia never hurt anybody

[NormaK]

Good to know.