Marek's Disease in chickens poultry farm
Marek's Disease - Poultry

Protect your poultry farm against Marek's Disease

Marek's Disease is a significant concern in poultry production worldwide due to its impact on flock health and productivity. The disease is caused by a highly contagious herpesvirus. However, with the right knowledge and tools, Marek's Disease can be effectively managed, ensuring the health and productivity of your flock.

Measures you can take today to protect your poultry

What causes Marek's Disease?

The Marek's disease virus (MDV) is a herpesvirus, and is known for its ability to induce tumors and cause paralysis in affected birds. Young birds are particularly vulnerable, but it can impact chickens of all ages, posing a persistent threat to your flock.

How is Marek's Disease transmitted?

The virus is highly contagious and spreads can be spread through different ways. Even if direct transmission is possible, it is not the only way to spread the disease.

Marek's disease can be transferred via dust, feathers and dander, for example, as infected animals excrete the viruses in this way. Mites, ticks, fleas or rodents can also act as transmitters. Furthermore, Transport containers and materials that are used in the stables can be a source of transmission.

What are the symptoms of Marek's Disease?

Marek's disease is characterized by paralysis of the legs, with one leg extended forward and the other backward. Poultry with Marek's disease are developmentally retarded and usually die within 1 to 2 weeks.

Check out all the main symptoms of the disease below:

  1. Tumors
  2. Neurological signs
  3. Eye changes (Iris)
  4. Weight loss / poor growth
  5. Respiratory issues
  6. Paralysis

How can you protect your flock from Marek's Disease?

There is no cure for Marek's disease. Once a bird is infected, it remains infected for life. The focus is on prevention through vaccination and biosecurity measures, including strictly controlling access to the farm, disinfecting footwear and vehicles, controlling vectors such as wild birds, rodents and insects, and maintaining a clean and sanitized environment with strict cleaning & disinfection protocols.

Good biosecurity practices are essential in preventing the spread of the disease, especially in areas where the virus is endemic.

The 5 steps to prevent Marek's Disease in chickens

Protect your chickens from Marek's Disease by implementing these five biosecurity steps. Your actions can make a difference in their health and well-being.
Avoid outbreaks through hygiene
Step 1

Avoid outbreaks through hygiene

Each person that enters the farm needs to thoroughly shower and wash to reduce pathogen pressure on the animals and prevent the introduction of disease. How to set-up a hygiene protocol for visitors
Minimize Risks with a colour system
Step 2

Minimize Risks with a colour system

Dedicated colours for tools, equipment and clothing can help to prevent cross contamination between farms, locations or barns. How to set-up a colour system
Clean and disinfect the poultry barn
Step 3

Clean and disinfect the poultry barn

A strict cleaning and disinfecting protocol for the living environment and all vehicles, tools and equipment that enters the farm. A strict protocol helps prevent the introduction and spread of Marek's Disease. How to clean and disinfect a poultry barn
Water treatment
Step 4

Water treatment

Clean and disinfect the water lines to prevent spreading Marek's Disease through the drinking water system. Clean, high quality drinking water reduces pathogen pressure on the animals and boosts overall health and performance. How to secure a clean water supply
Creating a dry living environment
Step 5:

Creating a dry living environment

Viruses require moisture to thrive. Maintaining a dry living environment helps control the spread of Marek's Disease and reduces pathogen pressure on the poultry.How to create a dry living environment

Experts recommend

MS MegaDes Novo, the highly effective universal disinfectant is approved by the Dutch Ctgb for efficacy against bacteria, viruses and fungi. Experts recommend disinfecting with MS MegaDes Novo to help prevent outbreaks of Marek's disease or Infectious Laryngotracheïtis at poultry farms.
Contact MS Schippers
Call for personal advice +31-(0)497-339774 or send an email to export@msschippers.com

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