🔺21 points on Marek disease every poultry farmer should know
Marek’s disease is a viral infection that affects poultry birds, especially chickens. Here are 21 important points that every poultry farmer should know about Marek’s disease:
1. Marek’s disease is caused by the herpesvirus called Marek’s disease virus (MDV).
2. The virus is highly contagious and can spread rapidly through a flock of chickens.
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3. The virus can survive for long periods in the environment, making it difficult to control.
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4. It can affect chickens of all ages, but it is most commonly seen in birds between 12 and 30 weeks of age.
5. The disease can cause tumors in various organs, including the nerves, skin, and internal organs.
6. The tumors can cause paralysis, blindness, and other neurological symptoms.
7. The disease can also weaken the bird’s immune system, making it more susceptible to other infections.
8. Vaccines are available to prevent the disease, and it is recommended that all commercial poultry flocks be vaccinated.
9. Vaccination should be done at a young age, preferably within the first few days of life, to ensure maximum protection.
10. Vaccines are available in two forms: in ovo (injected into the egg before hatching) or subcutaneously (injected under the skin).
11. Vaccination does not provide complete protection, but it can reduce the severity of the disease and prevent mortality.
12. Biosecurity measures are essential to prevent the spread of the disease.
13. This includes measures such as limiting access to the farm, disinfecting equipment and vehicles, and controlling the movement of birds.
14. Infected birds should be isolated and removed from the flock as soon as possible to prevent the spread of the disease.
15. Birds that recover from the disease can still shed the virus and infect others, so they should be isolated until they are no longer shedding the virus.
16. Regular monitoring of the flock is important to detect any signs of the disease early.
17. Symptoms of Marek’s disease can include weight loss, lameness, paralysis, and tumors.
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18. Diagnosis of the disease is usually done through a combination of clinical signs, post-mortem examination, and laboratory tests.
19. There is no cure for Marek’s disease, and treatment is usually supportive care.
20. Prevention is the best approach to managing the disease.
21. Poultry farmers should work closely with their veterinarian to develop a comprehensive disease prevention and control program for their flock, including vaccination, biosecurity, and monitoring.
🧩CREATED BY DR JOSEPH DEJI-FOLUTILE
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