[BlackRockLovers]

lets hope so eh Jhub but lookin on the bright side im getting myself a nice Light Sussex cock + hen at P.O.L

[hillfooter]

I was on holiday when this thread first appeared and as a vet was being consulted and I'd got nothing more to suggest beyond what had already been suggested I haven't contributed.   I'm however interested in any further diagnosis that the vets tests might reveal as this is a very unusual case being devoid of coincidental symptoms.  So please update any new information you have as I'm sure a number of keepers would be interested.

Best wishes
HF

[BlackRockLovers]

well i got a call from them the other day, its not mareks, didnt know thats what they tested for, i was told they were testing for that other thing, ( see above posts ). so gnna wait till mondya then call the vets again to speak to the specialist, as most of my girls are going blind now

[hillfooter]

well i got a call from them the other day, its not mareks, didnt know thats what they tested for, i was told they were testing for that other thing, ( see above posts ). so gnna wait till mondya then call the vets again to speak to the specialist, as most of my girls are going blind now

Well I hope you get some answers as it's very concerning if in fact there's an infectious agent causing this.  I read the article jhub found which was an outbreak of cataracts in a broiler breeder flock.  It wasn't conclusive as to the cause and in fact a genetic cause was postulated.  They were unable to isolate an infectious agent and ruled out Newcastles, Mareks and Avian Encephalomyelitis (AE).  The effected chickens were 5-7 weeks old and represented only about 7% morbidity where as you seem to have around 100%? Also they went blind within 4 weeks or so of onset whereas yours seems very quick.  I believe your vets were suggesting AE in your case so I don't think the reference is relevant to your problem.

It didn't sound at all like Mareks so there's no surprise they've ruled this out.  Hope they find something.

Best wishes
HF

[jhub]

how are your chooks BRL? Are they adapting and managing?
Any blood results available?
Janex

[BlackRockLovers]

well ive got around 3 /4 that are blind in both or one eye, blood results came bag neg for mareks + the other thing, so the vet thinks its a genetic thing . they seem to be doing OK . the cockerel is keeping them in order, just loosing my patience a little bit when they keep jumping out of the run !

[jhub]

good luck with them-you will be such an experienced chook keeper after everything that's happened.