Question: Why do vaccines sometimes not protect chickens?
- The handling and storage of “live” vaccines is very important.
- Remember that these vaccines contain live viruses or bacteria.
- Very specific temperatures must be adhered to when storing vaccines, or they will be damaged.
- They should not be exposed to direct sunlight or disinfectants, as this can destroy them.
- For each application, make sure every chicken receives a dose of vaccine.
- This is important as any chickens not vaccinated will not be immunised, and this will result in their being susceptible to field challenges.
- Even if they are correctly applied and contain the appropriate antigen to the field pathogens, vaccines do not necessarily provide total protection against disease because there are many variables.
- The farmer should, therefore, follow the correct procedures when developing and implementing a vaccination programme.
Also read:
The difference between live and inactivated vaccines
Livestock production: How vaccines work against diseases
Poultry production: Handling and administering live vaccines
Livestock production: The difference between antibiotics and vaccines
- This article was written by Dr. Mick Versfeld and first appeared in Farming SA