One dose per bird from 1 day of age to be administered by spray, eye drop or nose drop. Only disinfectant-free and/or antiseptic free materials should be used for the preparation of vaccine solution.
Spray
The vaccine should be reconstituted with water of good quality at room temperature, e.g. deionised water or good quality drinking water. Treat water with milk powder if necessary but ensure there are no particles which may block the spray nozzle.
Remove the aluminium seal from the vaccine vial. To dissolve the vaccine pellet, the rubber stopper should be removed whilst the vial is immersed in a clean plastic measuring jug containing 0.2-0.5 litre of water (as noted below for sprayer types). Half fill the vial with water, replace the stopper and shake to dissolve any remaining vaccine. Pour into the jug and stir carefully to ensure even dispersal of the vaccine. The vaccine should then be added to the sprayer. The quantity of water depends on the method of administration:
Hand spray | 0.2 L/1000 birds |
Knapsack spray | 0.5 L/1000 birds, if the birds are housed on the ground. |
| 0.25 L/1000 birds, if the birds are housed in a battery. |
Automatic spray equipment | 0.15-0.50 L/1000 birds (hatchery). |
If administered by spray, spray equipment, providing a droplet size of 0.12 - 0.15 mm has to be used (hand spray, knapsack spray, automatic spray equipment). The distance from the spraying head to the birds must be approximately 50 cm. Hold birds in boxes for approximately 30-45 minutes. Ensure the temperature of the holding area is 70-80°F and draught free, to avoid chilling.
Spray application is only to be carried out in housings which can be closed properly. Turn off ventilation fans, if any, avoid air movement.
Eye drop/nose drop
30-50 ml/1000 birds, 0.03-0.05 ml/eye or nostril.
Reconstitute vaccine by dissolving in deionised water for eye drop at the rate of 30ml to 1,000 doses. The deionised water should be at room temperature. Remove the aluminium cap and rubber stopper from the vaccine vial and add deionised water from 30ml to half fill the vial. Replace the rubber stopper and shake so that all the vaccine material is completely dissolved. Pour the vaccine concentrate into the rest of the 30ml and mix well. Administer by dropper at the rate of one drop (0.03ml) per bird onto one eye. The use of standardised droppers is recommended. Hold the bird so that one eye is pointing upwards and allow one drop of vaccine to fall into the eye. Birds should swallow during vaccination.