Poultry vaccinations in Victoria
Vaccinating poultry helps keep birds healthy. It also improves their welfare. Vaccines protect birds from serious and sometimes deadly diseases.
Vaccines work by helping a bird’s immune system learn how to fight germs. This happens before the bird gets sick.
Some poultry diseases are hard to treat. Vaccination is often the best way to prevent those diseases. Good vaccination programs also reduce the need for antibiotics.
It is also easier to work out what is wrong with a bird in a vaccinated flock.
Common diseases to vaccinate against
The following diseases are common in chicken flocks in Victoria. Poultry owners and breeders should consider vaccinating their birds against these diseases.
Marek’s Disease
Marek’s Disease can cause many symptoms. These include paralysis, tumours, and a weakened immune system.
A weak immune system makes birds more likely to get other diseases.
The virus that causes Marek’s Disease spreads very easily. It can survive in the environment. Not all infected birds become sick. However, once infected, birds carry the virus for life. They can spread it to other birds.
The best prevention is vaccination. Chicks should be vaccinated as early as possible. This is ideally done at hatching, before they are exposed to the virus.
There are different types of Marek’s disease vaccines available. Your veterinarian can help you choose the right one. This is especially important in areas where the virus is common.
Infectious laryngotracheitis
Infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT) is a highly contagious viral disease. It affects the windpipe. Birds may cough and struggle to breathe. In severe cases, ILT can cause death.
ILT can also lead to secondary bacterial infections. Vaccination can prevent ILT or reduce how severe the disease becomes.
There are different ILT vaccines available. Your veterinarian can help choose the right one for your flock.
Vaccination is usually given as an eye drop or in drinking water. Birds are often vaccinated when they are a few weeks old. Booster doses may be needed. This depends on the vaccine used.
More information is available on the Infectious laryngotracheitis webpage.
ILT is a notifiable disease under the Livestock Disease Control Act 1994.
You must notify Agriculture Victoria if you know of, or suspect, ILT in your birds.
Infectious coryza
Infectious coryza is caused by a bacterium called Avibacterium paragallinarum. It affects the upper respiratory tract.
Birds may develop swollen faces, sneezing, and watery discharge from eyes and nostrils. Breathing may become difficult. The disease is painful.
Birds that recover may still carry the bacteria. They can spread it to other birds.
Vaccination does not usually stop infection. However, it can reduce how severe the disease is. It can also slow the spread within the flock.
Vaccination is given by injection. It is usually done between 8 and 16 weeks of age. A second dose is given 3 to 4 weeks later, or as advised by your veterinarian.
Fowl pox
Fowl pox is spread by mosquitoes. It is caused by a virus.
This disease causes scabs on the skin. It can also cause sores in the mouth and throat. These lesions can affect eating, drinking, and breathing.
Vaccination is given in the wing web. Birds are usually vaccinated between 8 and 12 weeks of age.
Your veterinarian may recommend earlier or repeat vaccination. This depends on your situation.
Other diseases
There are vaccines available for other poultry diseases in Australia. Talk with your veterinarian about the issues you encounter. They can help tailor a vaccination program.
Poultry flocks exceeding 1000 chickens must be vaccinated against Newcastle Disease. This is compulsory for all owners or managers in Victoria.
Vaccination against avian influenza is currently not permitted in domestic poultry in Australia.
Always speak with a veterinarian before vaccinating.
If you are buying new pet chickens, choose birds that are already vaccinated. Buy from a reputable breeder.
Owners of large poultry flocks, such as those used for egg or meat production, may vaccinate against other diseases. This depends on the needs of the flock and the advice of a veterinarian.
Some diseases must be reported to Agriculture Victoria. These are known as notifiable diseases.
View a list of notifiable diseases and notify Agriculture Victoria where suspected.
If you are unsure, speak with your veterinarian. They can notify Agriculture Victoria for you.
Vaccinating other poultry species
Poultry species such as ducks, turkeys, emus, and quail are not usually vaccinated. However, vaccination may be needed if a veterinarian diagnoses a specific disease in the flock.
For pigeons in Victoria, vaccines may be used for:
You can consult with an avian or poultry veterinarian for advice on these.
Obtaining poultry vaccines
Many poultry diseases found overseas do not occur in Australia. Vaccines used here are made to suit local conditions. It is illegal to import avian vaccines without the correct permit.
Vaccines in Australia are made by several companies. These include Zoetis, MSD, Bioproperties, Treidlia Biovet, and others.
Some vaccines are sold in large quantities. This may be more than what small flock owners need.
Australian distributors, such as Scolexia and Allfarm buy vaccines in bulk. They can supply vaccines to:
- Small poultry flock owners
- Poultry clubs
- Veterinary clinics.
Importance of veterinary involvement
Managing disease in a poultry flock can be difficult.
A veterinarian can help by:
- Diagnosing disease accurately
- Identifying bacteria or viruses involved
- Developing a plan to reduce disease
- Advising on vaccination and biosecurity.
Veterinarians are trained in animal health and disease control.
They can also help access the Victorian Significant Disease Investigation (SDI) program. This program may reduce the cost of disease testing.
Acknowledgements
This article was written by Dr Angela Scott, Principal Veterinary Officer, Agriculture Victoria with input from Dr Jiongrui (JR) Huang DVM, MANZCVS (Avian Health – Poultry), Poultry Veterinarian at Scolexia.
Veterinarians can contact cvo.victoria@agriculture.vic.gov.au for further information.