Vaccination, a vexed issue for small poultry farmers

All mainstream poultry diseases can be prevented through relevant vaccination at the correct age and stage in a bird’s life. (Image source: Petrov 2012/Flickr)

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Infectious bronchitis (IB)

Many poultry producers have problems with Infectious Bronchitis (IB), yet another highly contagious disease of the respiratory system which is caused by a virus. Any poultry producer who buys chicks from hatcheries or other sources and adds them to the flock should definitely consider vaccinating for IB.

The IB live virus vaccines are usually administered to young birds and may be given together with Newcastle disease vaccine in a combined dose. Therefore, it may be possible and clearly much easier to locate a source of Newcastle vaccine and IB vaccine at the same time.

IB live-virus vaccines are usually administered to young birds combined with the Newcastle vaccine for simultaneous administration. Unfortunately, the IB vaccine is usually produced in large quantities for commercial hatchery type applications, although the actual vaccine is relatively inexpensive even when purchased in large quantities. The live-virus vaccine is shipped in a small, insulated cooler with a gel-ice pack to maintain refrigeration. It consists of two parts, the vial of vaccine and diluent, which must be stored separately in the refrigerator (in the dark) until administering the vaccine.

When ready to administer, the entire vial of vaccine and diluent are mixed, used to vaccinate the chickens and the remaining contents disposed of. The vaccine can be given via drinking water, eye drop, or nose drop.

Infectious laryngotracheitis

Infectious laryngotracheitis is a highly infectious virus disease affecting the bird's trachea or wind pipe. Affected birds typically gasp for air and cough up blood with high mortality rates not uncommon. The disease frequently circulates at bird auctions and shows. Any decision to vaccinate must include every single bird on the farm. Treatment is most effectively applied when the birds are one month old and yearly booster vaccines are recommended. Fast diagnosis followed by prompt vaccination should curtail the spread of this disease throughout the flock and prevent an otherwise considerable loss of birds.

By Dr Terry Mabbett

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