Ensuring a thriving and productive poultry farm starts with preventing the entry and spread of disease among the birds. One effective way to safeguard the flock and avoid entry of disease is through vaccination. Poultry vaccine is a biological substance prepared specifically to stimulate the immune system of the bird. Administering vaccine make the bird system recognize and fight specific pathogens without causing the disease itself.
Poultry vaccine are specifically designed to protect the poultry (such as chicken, turkey, duck, etc.) from infectious disease(s) caused by virus, bacteria or parasites.
Method of administration –
Poultry vaccine can be administered in different ways to the birds, such as –
- Subcutaneous or intramuscular injection
- Intraocular (eyes drop)
- Intranasal (nose drop)
- Spraying
- Wing: web
- Orally – by dissolving substance in water. This method is usually used for distribution to large flock size
It is important to follow the advise of an expert when giving vaccine to the flock to be able to use the best suitable method of administration. Here are some factors that determine the method of administering vaccine to the flock –
- Population size of the birds
- Age of the birds
- Risk level of the disease to the flock
- The type of vaccine
- Stress possibility on the flock
Types are vaccine –
Based on the formulation of the vaccine, there are basically three (3) types of vaccine, namely:
- Live Vaccine – This contains weakened version of the pathogen. It provides quick and strong immunity but must be handled with utmost care.
- Inactivated vaccine – This contains dead pathogens safer to handle but may require booster shots for long term immunity.
- Recombinant vaccine – This is genetically engineered to target specific disease(s) without using the live pathogens.
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Tips to support effective vaccination
Giving vaccine to the flock for disease prevention is fundamental in the poultry’s’ healthcare management however, it is important to note the following about the vaccine to enable an effective vaccination procedure –
- Ensure proper storage of the vaccine to maintain its effectiveness
- Administer unexpired vaccine to the flock to get effective result(s)
- Administer vaccine at the right time expected, avoid delaying or skipping vaccination due time
- Adopt the best sustainable method of administration for effectiveness
- Administer the right dosage for effectiveness
- Ensure hygiene and cleanliness in the handling of the vaccine
Conclusion –
By protecting the flock through effective vaccination system, the farmer in the long term increases the profitability and sustainability of the farm, it is necessary to consult and involve an expert (that is, a veterinary) in the process.
Until the next time -cheers.