Prevent Marek's disease with day-old vaccination

Purchase chicks that have been vaccinated for Marek's disease at the hatchery on day one of life. Marek's is a herpesvirus that causes tumors, paralysis, blindness, and death in unvaccinated flocks, with mortality rates up to 60% in susceptible birds. There is no treatment or cure once a bird is infected.

Why It Works

The Marek's vaccine is highly effective when administered within the first 24 hours of life, before chicks are exposed to the virus. The vaccine prevents tumor formation but does not prevent infection — vaccinated birds can still carry and shed the virus without becoming sick. Nearly all commercial hatcheries offer vaccination for $0.10-0.25 per chick.

Tips

• Always request Marek's vaccination when ordering hatchery chicks — the small added cost is well worth it
• The vaccine takes 1-2 weeks to reach full effectiveness; keep vaccinated chicks away from adult birds during this period
• Biosecurity (quarantine, clean shoes, limiting wild bird contact) reduces but does not eliminate exposure risk