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.
A natural invasion that actually causes the disease will have the
same result as the bird will produce antibodies that fights the current
invasion as well as to prevent future invasions by the same causal organisms.
Unfortunately birds that become diseased usually become unthrifty,
non-productive or even die. An infection caused by natural invasion will be
uncontrolled and therefore has the possibility of causing severe damage,
however vaccination
provides a way of controlling the result with minimal harm to the birds.
Vaccines are generally
fragile products, some of which are live but in a state of suspended animation.
Others are dead. All have a finite life that is governed by the way they are
handled and used. Handling and administration procedures also influence the
potency of many vaccines and consequently the level of immunity the bird
develops.
Handling Vaccines on the Farm
Vaccines are fragile in many respects and require very careful
handling to ensure they retain their potency. Poor handling procedures will, in
most cases, result in a rapid decline of potency. On no account should vaccine
be transported in a polythene bag with ice block. It’s unethical and punishable
for any defaulters by law of the state. Please make sure you transport your
vaccines in a cooler with ice block or ice packs.
The important handling requirements on the farm are:
On receipt of the vaccine on the farm, check and record;
- That the vaccine has been transported in the recommended manner which is usually in the chilled or frozen state. Prolonged exposure to atmospheric temperature will result in rapid loss of potency.
- Type of vaccine – is it the vaccine ordered.
- The number of doses – has the correct amount been delivered.
- The expiry date of the vaccine – vaccines have a date by when there is a significant risk that they will no longer retain their potency and will not produce the immunity required. The expiry date is based on the vaccine being handled and stored in the recommended manner.
As soon as possible place the vaccine into recommended storage
conditions. Read the instructions to find out what these are. However, freeze
dried material should be kept at a temperature below freezing and its diluent
at a temperature just above freezing. Liquid vaccines are generally kept at
temperatures just above freezing.
Administration/Routes/Technique
Note that vaccination should be administered by veterinarians or
under the supervision of a veterinarian depending on the permitted law of each
state or country. Thus, vaccination schedule must be recommended by the local
veterinarian depending on the prevalence of the disease in the environment.
However, before vaccination, always clean and sterilise the vaccinating
equipment thoroughly before and after use.
Destroy unused mixed vaccines after the task has been completed.
Some vaccines have the potential to cause harm if not destroyed properly.
Do not vaccinate
birds that are showing signs of disease or stress. This could result in an
outbreak of the disease you are trying to prevent.
- Tope Bukola
Ojo, Head of Operations, Fisem Integrated Services
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