Gel beadlets show promise for coccidiosis vaccination
A novel automated gel-beadlet system for vaccinating chicks proved successful in providing uniform coverage against coccidiosis.
A novel automated gel-beadlet system for vaccinating chicks proved successful in providing uniform coverage against coccidiosis.
A successful coccidiosis-vaccination program starts with proper vaccine handling and uniform application at the hatchery. Charlie Broussard, DVM, Merck Animal Health, offers several areas to monitor to determine whether the vaccination program is on track to protect the flock.
By Catherine Fudge
Graduate research assistant, poultry science
University of Georgia
Getting chicks off to a quick start in the brooder house is always a priority, but it is especially critical when birds have been vaccinated for coccidiosis.
By Sara Throne, DVM, MAM, Dipl. ACPV
Simmons Foods, Inc.
Siloam Springs, AR, USA
Avian metapneumovirus (aMPV) has swept through production facilities across the US since its initial appearance in late 2023. aMPV infections can result in mass morbidity, significant egg drops and, in the most severe cases, mortalities.
Virtually everyone involved with live poultry production knows the importance of protecting layer, breeder and broiler flocks against infectious bursal disease. If left unchecked, it can cause listlessness, watery diarrhea, ruffled feathers and dehydration.
A postbiotic containing the phytogenic substance saponin could assist as a useful tool to help broiler producers reduce the impact of Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC), which causes colibacillosis.
By Muhammad Ali, DVM
PhD student
Department of Poultry Science, University of Georgia
By Aaron Stephan, PhD
Research and Innovation Director
ONCE by Signify
While most chicks are vaccinated for coccidiosis at the hatchery, it’s the first few weeks in the grower barn that determine coccidia exposure, cycling and eventual immunity.
Coccidiosis vaccination is a critical tool to mitigate economic losses for broiler producers. However, dry litter conditions and low placement densities can complicate successful vaccine replication and subsequent immunizing exposure.
