Vaccination plays a vital role in poultry production because it helps protect birds from diseases that can lead to high death rates, slow growth, and reduced egg output. The exact vaccination plan can differ based on region, farm conditions, and disease risks in a specific area.
Vaccination Schedule for Broilers
| Age | Vaccine | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Marek’s Disease | Injection (at hatchery) |
| Day 5–7 | Newcastle Disease (ND) + Infectious Bronchitis (IB) | Eye drop or drinking water |
| Day 9–14 | Gumboro (IBD) – First dose | Drinking water |
| Day 16–18 | Gumboro (IBD) – Booster dose | Drinking water |
| Day 21–24 | Newcastle Disease booster | Drinking water |
| Day 28 | Fowl Pox (optional depending on region) | Wing web stab |
Broilers usually have a shorter vaccination program since they are raised for a few weeks before marketing.
Vaccination Schedule for Layers
| Age | Vaccine | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Marek’s Disease | Injection at hatchery |
| Day 7–14 | Newcastle Disease (ND) | Drinking water or eye drop |
| Day 14 | Infectious Bursal Disease (Gumboro) | Drinking water |
| Day 21–28 | Gumboro booster | Drinking water |
| Week 4 | Newcastle + Infectious Bronchitis | Drinking water |
| Week 6–8 | Fowl Pox | Wing web stab |
| Week 8–10 | Avian Encephalomyelitis (AE) | Wing web method |
| Week 9–12 | Infectious Coryza | Injection |
| Week 10–12 | Newcastle booster (LaSota or Komarov strain) | Drinking water or injection |
| Week 16–18 | Combined vaccine for ND, IB, and Egg Drop Syndrome (EDS) | Injection |
Layers require a more extended vaccination plan because they are kept for a longer production cycle.
Key Poultry Diseases Prevented
Vaccination helps protect against several common diseases, including:
- Newcastle Disease (ND)
- Gumboro (IBD)
- Marek’s Disease
- Infectious Bronchitis (IB)
- Fowl Pox
- Infectious Coryza
- Avian Encephalomyelitis (AE)
- Egg Drop Syndrome (EDS)
Important Vaccination Practices
- Always store vaccines in proper refrigeration.
- Use clean and uncontaminated water when giving vaccines.
- Only vaccinate birds that are healthy.
- Follow manufacturer guidelines strictly.
- Keep vaccines away from heat and sunlight.
- Maintain strong hygiene and biosecurity measures on the farm.
A well-planned vaccination program, combined with good farm management, helps prevent disease outbreaks and improves overall poultry performance.