Testing for Mareks disease - Ask Extension
I have a small backyard chicken flock. Currently 4 chickens. One of my girls (a pullet) is not well, having issues standing. We lost a chicken with s...
Knowledgebase
Testing for Mareks disease #176168
Asked April 21, 2014, 11:14 AM EDT
I have a small backyard chicken flock. Currently 4 chickens. One of my girls (a pullet) is not well, having issues standing. We lost a chicken with similar symptoms last year. I am concerned about Mareks disease. Is there a test that can be done on a live chicken for this and where is it available in Denver area?
Jefferson County Colorado
Expert Response
Unfortunately, tests for Marek's disease are done post-mortem (after the chicken has died). The chicken(s) would need to be submitted to a diagnostic lab for the tests to be done. You should contact the University of Colorado's veterinary diagnostic lab - http://csu-cvmbs.colostate.edu/vdl/Pages/default.aspx - to see about testing.
If Marek's is a problem, it would be good to get any new chicks vaccinated for Marek's disease.
If Marek's is a problem, it would be good to get any new chicks vaccinated for Marek's disease.
