Definition:
Marek's disease is an extremely contagious viral neoplastic disease in chickens that is characterized especially by proliferation of lymphoid cells and is caused by a herpes virus having several serotypes. It usually affects both commercial and backyard poultry that often results to severe production loss or death. Marek's disease causes multiple nerve changes and aids in the development of tumors in major internal organs.
Diagnosis:
Diagnosis of Marek's disease necessitates veterinary examination. Oftentimes, diagnosis is confirmed based on clinical signs alongside post-mortem findings.
Treatment:
There is no cure for Marek's disease; to prevent spreading of infection, diseased birds should be removed from the flock and humanitarianly destroyed.
Symptoms and Signs:
Marek's disease displays the following manifestation:
* Progressive paralysis of one or more of the limbs or sometimes the wing or limbs.
* Due to paralysis in the main nerve of the leg, birds become unable to stand, appear uncoordinated, and slowly deteriorate due to loss of water and food.
* Eyes may become affected leading to blindness.
* Ovaries, liver, kidney, and heart are some of the internal organs that are at a high risk of developing tumors.
* Inflamed liver and spleen even without the presence of tumor.
* Signs of depression
* Weight loss
* Loss of appetite
* Anemia
* Diarrhea
In some cases, death is always possible even without the appearance of any symptom.
Causes:
Marek's disease is caused by the herpes virus.
The information on this site is for research purposes only and can not substitute for the advice of a medical professional. Ailments.com is not run by doctors and does not engage in the practice of medicine. Our site is not a medical authority, it is just a research tool for you to use in preparation for consulting with a doctor. We can not guarantee our information is accurate or up to date. Even if a statement made about a medical condition is accurate, it may not apply to you or your symptoms, so you should always consult a doctor. Nothing on our site should be construed as an attempt to offer or render a medical opinion or otherwise engage in the practice of medicine.
