Infectious bronchitis (IB) and infectious bursal disease (IBD) are highly contagious poultry diseases reported worldwide, with new variants and strains emerging each year. Ranking among the 5 most costly avian diseases, their control is essential for poultry sustainability.

Upholding Vaccination Standards for Day-Old Chicks in the Hatchery

Vaccination of Day-Old Chicks

Vaccinating day-old birds is crucial for ensuring early protection and long-lasting immunity, offering disease protection throughout the entire poultry production cycle. The vaccination process typically takes place at the hatchery to minimize the risk of vaccination failures commonly experienced in the field. However, administering vaccines to thousands of chicks per hour—without missing any—remains a significant challenge.

Effective vaccine storage and preparation are foundational steps that should be conducted under aseptic conditions by trained personnel adhering to best vaccination practices to maintain vaccine integrity and effectiveness.

Routes of Administration

Poultry vaccines are available in various forms, such as frozen or lyophilized (freeze-dried), requiring different administration methods. These can generally be categorized into two types: injection and spray.

Injection methods include subcutaneous injections of day-old chicks or in-ovo vaccinations. Spray options include applications for respiratory diseases and gel formulations for coccidiosis vaccination. The choice of administration route depends on the hatchery’s size, automation level, and the type of vaccine being used.

Infectious Bursal Disease: Subcutaneous Injection

Utilizing a new technology, the latest infectious bursal disease immune-complex vaccine is stored frozen in liquid nitrogen. Once thawed, the vaccine is mixed with a diluent and administered via in-ovo or subcutaneous injection, achieving an average speed of 2,500 chicks per hour. Reliability in dosage and operational integrity are crucial, especially given the high humidity and debris characteristic of hatchery environments.

Infectious Bronchitis: Spray Vaccination

The infectious bronchitis vaccine, composed of live-attenuated virus in a lyophilized form, is mixed with a diluent before administration. The amount of spray used corresponds to the number of chicks per crate, usually between 10 mL and 14 mL per box, employing up to four nozzles for optimal delivery. Cabinet machines can operate at speeds of up to 50,000 chicks per hour, while in-line sprayers can achieve double that throughput.

Two Vaccinations Combined in One Line

Ensuring accurate dosage for every chick is critical for hatchery productivity, especially in light of the evolving disease landscape. Ceva Animal Health is focused on providing integrated hatchery solutions designed to enhance industry sustainability by ensuring comprehensive disease protection for poultry.

Conventionally, vaccinations are administered in two steps: first for IBD followed by IB. However, the innovative Dovac High Speed Line allows for simultaneous IBD and IB vaccinations in one streamlined operation. This dual approach not only reduces labor but also minimizes the likelihood of missed vaccinations that could jeopardize the entire vaccination protocol.

The Dovac High Speed Line represents a 25% increase in vaccination speed with a reduction of 20% in labor requirements, addressing the challenges posed by high turnover rates in hatcheries.

First Installation in 2023

The inaugural installation of the Dovac High Speed Line occurred in 2023 with a prominent poultry integrator in the Philippines, quickly proving its value and leading to the deployment of a second unit in another hatchery within the organization.

An Integrated Solution for Vaccination Success

Ultimately, successful hatchery vaccination requires a comprehensive approach involving everyone from hatchery experts to operators. These initiatives focus on continuous improvement through innovative vaccines and exemplary service, including regular field visits and disease monitoring.

Success hinges on ensuring that 100% of chicks are properly vaccinated, supported by localized expertise, data analysis, and tailored processes. By maintaining stringent standards regardless of vaccination routes or hatchery specifics, the poultry industry can evolve sustainably and resiliently.