Comprehensive Chicken Vaccination Timetable
Vaccination Schedules:
Vaccination schedules can differ based on local disease prevalence, the type of chicken (broiler, layer, etc.), and recommendations from local veterinary authorities. It’s essential to consult a veterinarian for tailored advice. Below is a combined, detailed vaccination timetable covering both chicks and adult chickens:
Table 1: First Week Vaccination Schedule (Day-by-Day)
| Age | Vaccine | Critical (Yes/No) | Mode of Administration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Marek’s Disease | Yes | Injection (Intramuscular/Subcutaneous) | Done at the hatchery or on Day 1 at the farm. |
| Day 2-6 | Multivitamins + Mild Antibiotic + Liquid Paraffin | No | Drinking Water | Helps boost immunity and chick health during early development. |
| Day 6 | Newcastle Disease (1st Dose) / Infectious Bronchitis | Yes | Eye Drop/Drinking Water | Use boiled water to avoid contamination. |
Table 2: Week 1 Onward Vaccination Schedule
| Age | Vaccine | Critical (Yes/No) | Mode of Administration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Week 2 | Gumboro (1st Dose) | Yes | Drinking Water | Essential to protect against Gumboro disease. |
| Week 3 | Gumboro (2nd Dose) | Yes | Drinking Water | Avoid using chlorinated water. |
| Week 4 | Newcastle Disease (2nd Dose) | Yes | Eye Drop/Drinking Water | Booster for Newcastle Disease. |
| Week 6 | Fowl Pox | Yes | Wing Stab | Requires skilled personnel. |
| Week 6 | Newcastle Disease (3rd Dose) (In hot areas) | Optional | Drinking Water/Eye Drop | Administered earlier in hot areas to reduce disease exposure. |
| Week 8 | Fowl Typhoid | Yes | Intramuscular Injection (Thigh Muscle) | Administer by skilled personnel. |
| Week 16 | Dewormer (Levamisole) | Yes | Drinking Water | Deworming is essential; repeat every 3 months. |
| Every 2-3 Months | Newcastle Disease (Booster) | Yes | Eye Drop/Drinking Water | Maintain regular boosters every 2-3 months for long-term immunity. |
Additional Notes:
- Multivitamins and Antibiotics (Day 2-6): While not critical, providing multivitamins, mild antibiotics, and liquid paraffin early in a chick’s life helps strengthen their immune system.
- Newcastle Disease: One of the most critical vaccines for chickens. A booster is recommended every 2-3 months to maintain flock immunity.
- Gumboro: A critical vaccine for young birds. Ensure correct administration timing for maximum effectiveness.
- Fowl Pox and Fowl Typhoid: Essential for long-term health and productivity, especially for free-range or semi-intensive systems.
Additional Vaccines for Adult Chickens:
- For Layers:
- Mycoplasma Gallisepticum (MG) and Mycoplasma Synoviae (MS) Vaccine: Administered through drinking water or injection to prevent respiratory issues.
- Infectious Laryngotracheitis (ILT) Vaccine: Given through drinking water or injection to combat respiratory distress.
- Salmonella Vaccine: Administered to reduce foodborne illness and support egg production.
- For Broilers:
- Reovirus Vaccine: Administered through drinking water or injection to tackle respiratory issues, arthritis, and poor growth.
- Avian Influenza (AI) Vaccine: Delivered via injection to protect against a highly contagious viral disease.
Important Considerations:
- Hatchery Vaccination: Many Kenyan hatcheries offer vaccination services for day-old chicks, simplifying the process.
- Water Vaccination: Ensure clean, boiled water free of contaminants during water vaccinations to maintain vaccine potency.
- Storage and Handling: Store vaccines as per the manufacturer’s instructions and avoid freezing, overheating, or exposure to light.
- Biosecurity Measures: Implement strict sanitation, quarantine of new birds, and limit visitor access to reduce disease introduction risks.
- Booster Vaccinations: Adult chickens, especially layers, may need booster vaccinations for continued immunity.
- Disease Surveillance: Monitor regional disease outbreaks and adjust vaccination programs accordingly.
- Veterinary Consultation: Regular veterinary check-ups are essential to keep vaccination schedules updated and effective.