What chicken disease causes tumors and is a form of cancer in chickens?

Marek's Disease is a viral infection caused by the Marek's disease virus, which belongs to the herpesvirus family. This disease is notable for being a form of cancer that leads to the development of tumors in various tissues of infected chickens, particularly affecting the nerves and lymphatic system. The tumors can cause various symptoms such as paralysis, changes in behavior, and visible tumors on the skin or internal organs.

The virus primarily spreads through dust and dander from infected birds, making it highly contagious. Young chickens that have not been vaccinated against Marek's Disease are particularly vulnerable and can develop the disease as early as a few weeks old. Vaccination is an effective preventive measure.

In contrast, Newcastle Disease, Avian Influenza, and Coccidiosis are significant diseases in poultry, but they do not cause tumors or cancer. Newcastle Disease affects the respiratory, nervous, and digestive systems but does not cause neoplastic growth. Avian Influenza primarily affects the respiratory system and can lead to high mortality rates but is not associated with tumors. Coccidiosis is caused by protozoan parasites affecting the intestinal tract and leads to enteritis rather than cancerous growths. This makes Marek's Disease unique among these conditions for its direct