Multiplex Marek’s Disease Virus

Marek’s disease virus (MDV) is a highly oncogenic alphaherpesvirus causing lymphoid tumors and neurological disease in chickens worldwide, representing one of the most economically significant diseases in poultry production. The virus causes T-cell lymphomas affecting multiple organs including viscera, skin, nerves, and eyes, with clinical manifestations including paralysis, blindness, and sudden death. Three serotypes exist (MDV-1, MDV-2, MDV-3), with MDV-1 being the most pathogenic and commonly associated with disease outbreaks. Vaccination is widely practiced but vaccine-resistant strains continue to emerge, requiring surveillance of circulating virus populations. Early detection in breeding flocks enables rapid response to prevent spread to commercial operations.