Poultry Vaccines for Use on Organic Farms

Vaccination plays an important part in the health management of the poultry flock. There are numerous diseases that are prevented by vaccinating the birds against them. A vaccine helps to prevent a particular disease by triggering or boosting the bird’s immune system to produce antibodies that in turn fight the invading causal organisms.

Types of vaccine

Live vaccine – the active part of the vaccine is the live organism that causes the disease. As such, it is capable of inducing the disease in birds that have not had previous contact that organism. Vaccinated birds, in many cases are able to infect non-vaccinated birds if housed together.

Attenuated vaccine – with this type of vaccine the organism has been weakened by special procedures during manufacture so that it has lost its ability to cause the serious form of the disease. At worst, the birds may contract a very mild form of the disease, however, the vaccine still has the ability to trigger the immune system to produce antibodies.

Killed vaccine – with this type of vaccine the organism has been killed and is unable to cause the disease, although the ability to trigger the immune system remains. In many cases, the level of immunity produced by this form of vaccine is weaker than that produced by live and attenuated vaccines.

Access Full PDF >>

Vaccine production

Vaccines are produced mainly in three forms:

Liquid vaccine – it is in fluid form ready to use.
Freeze dried vaccine – the vaccine is stored as one pack of freeze dried material and one pack of diluent, often a sterile saline solution. These have to be combined before use.
Dust – where the vaccine is prepared for administration in the dry form.

Tips for Successful Vaccination

If a vaccine is mishandled or improperly used, it may result in vaccination failure. All vaccines are labeled with instructions for use and expiration dates. If the entire flock is not vaccinated properly, the disease may spread.
Newly hatched chicks have some passive immunity passed from the mother through the egg. Vaccination of chicks at less than 10 days of age often does not produce uniform or lasting immunity. An exception is the vaccination for Marek's disease, which is ordinarily given on the day of hatch.
Rotate vaccine stock, as vaccines can deteriorate over time. Vaccines come with a date of expiration. Any outdated product should be discarded.
Each vaccine is designed for a specific route of administration. Use only the recommended route.
Do not vaccinate sick birds (except in outbreaks of laryngotracheitis or fowl pox).
Protect vaccines from heat and direct sunlight.
Most vaccines are living, disease-producing agents. Handle them with care.
When using the drinking-water method of vaccination, be sure the water is free of sanitizers and chlorine. Live-virus vaccines are readily destroyed by these chemicals.
After vaccinating, burn or disinfect all opened containers to prevent accidental spread to other poultry.

Poultry Vaccines Manufacturers

Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Elanco, Zoetis, Ceva, Phibro Animal Health Corporation, Virbac, HIPRA, Venkys India, Biovet Private Limited, Anicon GmbH, And Others

Want To Know More about Poultry Vaccines??

ASK FOR 150 PAGES PDF OF THIS STUDY

Reference

theinsightpartners.com
eorganic.org