It is a herpes virus--spread through contact with infected fluff, dandruff among other things and will persist for some time (at least months) in the environment. Has different symptoms depending on which organ system is affected--nervous system infection causes lameness--may also cause blindness and can cause tumours in many internal organs and the skin. So even diarrhea can be a symptom, just being miserable or sudden death with no symptoms. It is not egg transmitted. Many birds never show symptoms or may just become acutely ill and then recover--but they are still carriers. A recovered bird with the ocular form will have a grey ring in their eye. The eye ring is a common symptom of past infection and something to look for if you are buying an adult chicken--since it will still be infectious to unexposed birds. Silkies and some other bantams are particularly susceptible and should be bought vaccinated. Very young chicks have some immunity from their mothers--but it wears off. Hatcheries have developed a way of vaccinating against Marek's while the chicks is still in the egg. It doesn't cost a lot to have them vaccinated and most hatcheries offer it. There is a form in Turkeys which is, or at least was, what they used to inoculate chickens since it activates their immune systems without giving them the disease. I think you can vaccinate older chickens (there is a period where the immunity acquired from their mothers will interfere with developing immunity from the vaccine--but I'm not sure what that is). I think you can order vaccine on line for older birds.
Still so sad about Hercule.
Hercule is ill
gosh that stuff sounds bad. thanks for the info I will for sure look at them a bit better now. I was worried that my one that is squatty maybe had it but I think we worked it down to a sprang. Or so I hope. Can this herpes be passed from bird to human or human to bird?
No, the virus is specific to chickens. And it has been around a long time without changing, so there doesn't seem to be any danger of it jumping species.
ok thanks.
Thanks Catscan for all that info.
All this death sucks! {{{hugs}}} to everyone who is dealing with it too; rather human, furry or feathered AND whether human caused or just happens. Sorry all, just too sad for words really. My thoughts with everyone. I too am tired of 'taking care of expired birds' from all causes. Most of my banties are going now from old age. That I can handle, but Hercules & TF's are unbearable!! :-(
Cheryl ~ Pea
Thank you Pea. Last night I tried to move Little Hen (Hercule's kennel companion) back into the flock. I did it late at night since I had heard that was the best way. This morning I found her hiding behind a barrel terrified of the roos and other birds in there so I temporarily put her back in the larger kennel. Just now I set up a puppy kennel we have and put it in the coop. She's in there now. She can see the other chickens and they can see her without bothering her. She's a survivor of this thing. She came down with it when Chicken (the other roo that we had to put down) did. She made it. I found out this morning that she paid a price. She can walk but she can't run. When she tries to run she stumbles and flops around. Also she is way smaller than all the other hens. Sweet little thing though.
Mollyd