There is a lot to worry about on the grand scheme of health and relative consequences in the subject. Whether it’s related to what we’re eating, exercise, viruses, diseases, and so on, there is a lot of harm in the world that can be used against us. Thus, why so many people are becoming more health-conscious nowadays than ever before. Previously, hardly anyone took their health as seriously as people do today. There’s an endless supply of available information that lets us informatively dictate how we can be healthy. It’s a massive plus as a society and as individuals. Basically, the more information we have on such matters, the better. Anyway, you’re on a parrot website, so let’s discuss the health of parrots. More specifically, can parrots get Marek’s disease?
To answer this question… yes, parrots can get Marek’s disease, but not likely. Since the disease is primarily found in poultry and chicken, it’s not a common disease among parrots. However, it’s still possible for a parrot to contract Marek’s disease from a chicken. Again, this isn’t highly likely, but some stories and speculation have pointed out a few examples of both. Since Marek’s disease is a somewhat rare disease on its own, it’s even rarer in retrospect to parrots getting. However, don’t let this sway you from taking the proper precautions necessary to protect your parrot against it.
As stated earlier, diseases are an awful reality in and of itself, especially when it comes to our friendly buddies in parrots. Rather than sit in silence and act like reality isn’t right, there’s only one thing we can do by taking care of any potential risks and stay positive. More or less, diseases will come and go, but ignorance can’t. Nonetheless, let’s take a closer look at Marek’s disease and its relation to parrots. We’ll discuss what it is, the signs of it, how you can make sure your parrot doesn’t get it, and much more. Let’s get started!
What’s Marek’s Disease?
For those who don’t know, Marek’s disease is an extremely contagious disease spread in chickens. It’s a viral neoplastic disease that occurs when chickens inhale virus-laden inhaler. Although it primarily happens in chickens, it has spread to a variety of other birds. Although the virus is easily killed in its purified form, it can live up to four years in temper, making it a hazardous disease. Thus, why it’s such a significant issue among chickens and birds alike.
The disease was first discovered by Jozsef Marek, a Hungarian veterinarian. The disease originated from a herpes virus called Alphaherpesvirinae. Although on the grand scheme of diseases, Marek’s disease isn’t too common, it’s still one of the most contagious diseases in the poultry world. Thus, why it’s such a vital issue in the world of birds, especially chickens. It generally happens to chickens around 12 to 30 weeks of age but can happen as early as a few weeks.
What Are the Signs of Marek’s Disease?
Like any other disease, the signs and symptoms of it are quite disturbing. Unfortunately, all forms of species have to deal with the sorrowful reality of disease. Still, it’s the truth of life as dejected as that is. Nonetheless, the details of Marek’s disease are a bit much to describe. Although the disease has different and varying effects on every bird, it takes a toll on, it tends to be horrific.
At this next part, don’t read it unless you don’t mind reading a bit of a detailed dismal description of Marek’s disease. Again, the disease isn’t common in parrots, but it can still happen. No matter the situation, it’s essential to be educated on the matter for future concerns regarding the disease. Nonetheless, here are the common signs of Marek’s disease:
- Loss of Weight.
- Paralysis of Legs, Wings, and Neck.
- Loss of Vision.
- Grey Iris.
- Irregular Pupil.
- Skin Around Feather is Raised and Rough.
How Do I Make Sure My Parrot Doesn’t Get Marek’s Disease?
It’s not too familiar for a parrot to get Marek’s disease, but this doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Like anything else, make sure your parrot isn’t around a group of chickens with the disease. Considering how simple of a disease it is to spread amongst birds, you definitely don’t want your parrot getting it. In fact, you don’t want any particular bird species to get it since it’s such a horrible disease for them to have.
For starters, make sure your parrot is healthy and gets frequent check-ups. Whether you’re discussing Marek’s disease or not, the health of your parrot is critical. Outside of their wealth, be aware of any future exposures to Marek’s disease. If you have a group of chickens who got the disease, you need to do everything in your power to make sure it doesn’t spread to other chickens and your parrot. As difficult of a situation might be, you need to be the leader in that sense.
Is Marek’s Disease Deadly for Parrots?
Yes, Marek’s disease is extremely deadly for parrots if they can contract it. Since the statistics are solely based on chickens and their reaction to the disease, let’s discuss those. For starters, the mortality rate of the disease is 100-percent. Yes, you read that right, 100-percent of birds that get Marek’s disease will die within a year of contracting it. As sad as that is, it’s the truth behind the disease. Most die under 10 weeks but can live up to 40 weeks or so with the disease.
Outside of the pure mortality rate, the morbidity rate is an interesting factor for diseases. The morbidity rate demonstrates what percentage of the disease population is in pain as a result of the disease. For Marek’s disease, roughly 10 to 50-percent of the birds that get it are in constant pain from the disease. With or without the apparent symptoms of morbidity, all of them will, unfortunately, meet the mortality rate demise sooner than later.
Do Parrots Know If They Have Marek’s Disease?
Consciousness is a complicated matter to discuss. If parrots have a somewhat understanding complex, they’ll have a sense they’re not well. They won’t pinpoint the disease as we can as humans, but they’ll know something wrong. Although this awareness isn’t always the case, parrots aren’t dumb. Plus, since it’s such a rarity for parrots to get it, it makes sense for them to be cognizant of something awful like Marek’s disease.
No matter what the specifics of the case might be, it’s difficult to say precisely what the issue might be from their perspective. They’ll know something is wrong and at odds with their sense of well-being, but they won’t know how to help themselves. Considering the disease’s mortality rate, it’s a problematic manner to help anything in that realm. Thus, that begs the question of what you can do to help.
Do I Have to Separate My Parrot from My Chicken Who Has Marek’s Disease?
Since the only possible scenario for Marek’s disease to be spread is from bird to bird, or through dander, of course, you should separate every single animal away from your sick chicken. Even if you’re not sure your chicken has the disease, don’t risk the own well-being of your other chickens and parrot just because you don’t feel like doing anything. It’s essential to be on top of this particular subject.
If you’re not worrisome or understand the negatives that can pop-up from it, you’re not doing an adequate job. Always make sure the well-being of your parrot is your top priority. As difficult as it is to find the exact answers to Marek’s disease, just prioritize your parrot’s health in that specific scenario. On the other hand, make sure the chicken that’s diagnosed with the disease is okay.
How Do I Treat Marek’s Disease?
Unfortunately, this isn’t a single treatment to rid birds of Marek’s disease. The only advancement in the industry behind the matter is a vaccine. Although the vaccine helps lower the risk of getting Marek’s disease for birds, it doesn’t eliminate the disease once contracted. Like many other fields in the health world, the industry has a long way to go for everything to be cured. However, this doesn’t mean you should just ignore your parrot or chicken if they get it.
First and foremost, you need to come to terms with what’s going to happen to them. Realize a 100-percent mortality reality paints an unambiguous depiction. With that in mind, try to take special care of them in their final days. Do everything in your power to give them the comfort they need. You never want to see anyone or any species in pain for something they can’t control. For other information, be sure to reach to their veterinarian for tips to help.
In Conclusion
Marek’s disease is an unfortunate disease that plagues the chicken world but is much more in the rarity spectrum for parrots. Regardless of this, make sure you take the proper precautions necessary to make sure your parrot doesn’t get exposed to this horrible deadly disease.