Vaccination Programs for Poultry

^a This is an example of a typical vaccination program. Individual programs are highly variable and reflect local conditions, disease prevalence, severity of the challenge, and individual preferences.

^b Most US commercial broiler hatcheries use an in ovo vaccination system for Marek disease at 17–19 days of embryonation (see egg injection picture). Infectious bursal disease vaccine (mild strain) may be combined with Marek disease vaccines. Vectored vaccines in which Marek disease and fowlpox vaccines have been safely modified to carry immunizing antigens for laryngotracheitis, Newcastle disease, or infectious bursal disease are also commonly used in ovo or in day-old chicks. Connecticut strain is often combined with Massachusetts. Bronchitis vaccine is usually combined with Newcastle. Other bronchitis strains specific to the given region are sometimes included. Vaccinations at 14–21 days are optional. A single drinking-water application for Newcastle disease/bronchitis is also common.

^a This is an example of a vaccination program. Individual programs are highly variable and reflect local conditions, disease prevalence, severity of the challenge, and individual preferences. Vaccine strains against Marek disease including SB-1, MDV301, or Rispens vaccine may be combined with turkey herpesvirus in some areas. Vaccination for fowlpox and laryngotracheitis depends on local requirements. Other strains of infectious bronchitis (Connecticut, Arkansas 99, Florida 88, etc) are included in some areas.

^a This is an example of a vaccination program. Individual programs are highly variable and reflect local conditions, disease prevalence, severity of the challenge, and individual preferences.

^b The use of M gallisepticum vaccine is regulated or prohibited in some states. SB-1 or MDV301 may be combined with turkey herpesvirus in some areas, or Rispens strain may be used in high-challenge areas. Vaccination for infectious bursal disease, laryngotracheitis, and fowlpox depends on local requirements. Other strains of infectious bronchitis (Connecticut, Arkansas 99, Florida 88, etc) are included in some areas. M gallisepticum and Haemophilus gallinarum (coryza) are used only on infected, multiage premises in some areas.

^a Recommendations are for production areas where the diseases listed are common. In addition, other vaccinations may be advisable if previous experience indicates a prevalence of certain diseases in the area. These may include turkey bordetellosis eye drop vaccine at 1 day old and in water or spray at 14 days old, or bacterin; paramyxovirus 3 and influenza A (prevalent hemagglutinin) at 26–28 and 40 weeks old; erysipelas—live or killed products might be required for market turkeys, and repeated vaccinations might be required for breeders; and salmonellosis bacterins at 24 and 28 weeks old. DW, drinking water; ND, Newcastle disease; WW, wing web stab.

^b Recommended age at vaccination is an approximation.

^c Spray vaccines against Newcastle disease should not be administered to birds suffering from respiratory disease; in such cases and at that age, the mild B1-B1 strain vaccine can be administered in water. The timing of vaccination depends on maternal antibody levels.

^d Live fowl cholera vaccines should be used only in healthy flocks.

^a A live, avirulent vaccine consisting of the three major serotypes (1, 2, and 5) of R anatipestifer.

^b A formalin-inactivated cell suspension of the three major serotypes (1, 2, and 5) of R anatipestifer. Bacterins and killed virus vaccines are administered subcutaneously in the neck.

^c A modified live virus vaccine of chick embryo origin.

^d White Pekin breeder ducks normally start egg production at 24 weeks old. Egg production can be accelerated or delayed, and breeder vaccination should be completed before the onset of egg production to optimize the passage of parental immunity to progeny.

^a A live, avirulent vaccine consisting of the three major serotypes (1, 2, and 5) of R anatipestifer.

^b A formalin-inactivated cell suspension of the three major serotypes (1, 2, and 5) of R anatipestifer is recommended for preventive immunization on farms where the disease is endemic or epidemic. An Escherichia coli bacterin can also be used where field challenge warrants. Ducklings should not be vaccinated within 21 days of slaughter.