VN April 2022

Vetnuus | April 2022 32 Disease prevention and early detection is crucial in intensive poultry production. By the time an outbreak of clinical disease is detected, welfare and production of the flock can already have been significantly affected. Relying on treating reactively is unattractive; aside from the costs associated with treatment and the practical implications of treating a flock, there have been huge strides made in reducing antibiotic usage in poultry to combat resistance development. One of the important tools used for disease prevention is vaccination. There are many options of poultry vaccines on the market: differing in indications, technology, and routes of application. Rationale behind the chosen route of application The correct application route is given on the package insert. This is the route that has been approved for use. Often the route used is chosen to mimic field infection. Where various options exist, the best route for the farm could depend on the capabilities of the vaccination team, the environment, the available equipment, and how it can fit into the rest of the vaccination and management program. Regardless of the route used, the aim is to ensure that 1 full dose of viable vaccine is given to each bird. The vaccine must be viable: if the vaccine is damaged it will not work as expected. Mass application Mass application routes include drinking water application and spray application. These routes are used to deliver live vaccine to large numbers of birds at once. 1) Spray application can be done at the hatchery, just after the birds have hatched, or on the farm using special spray application equipment. Vaccinating in the hatchery using special spray equipment tends to be more controlled and easier to operate than on farm vaccination. As this route targets the respiratory tract, vaccines against respiratory diseases are often given this way. 2) Drinking water vaccination is done on the farm: either through the water lines in the house or through drinkers that are put down. This method can be used for vaccines against enteric diseases, although some respiratory vaccines can be given in the drinking water as well. Both spray and drinking water vaccination require preparation and specific steps to ensure that on farm factors, including the water used, do not damage the live vaccine. Individual application There are many methods to give live and inactivated vaccines individually to birds. 1) Eyedrop application This is used to deliver live vaccines and is commonly used on smaller numbers of birds. Regulars I Zoetis Livestock Column Zoetis Animal HealthPages FOR ANIMALS. FOR HEALTH. FOR YOU. How to give chickens vaccines Dr Susan Dawson Zoetis South Africa (Pty) Ltd Technical Manager: Pigs and Poultry Figure 1: Birds drinking from red water drinkers