Nobilis Gumboro 228E Lyophilisate for Use in Drinking Water for Chickens

Reconstitution of vaccine
The vaccine may be delivered as a freeze-dried cake in a glass vial or as freeze-
dried spheres in cups. In case of the latter presentation the cups may contain 3 up to
400 spheres depending on the required dosages and production yields. In case of
the product presented in cups, do not use the product if the contents stick to the
container as this indicates that the integrity of the container has been breached. Each
container should be used immediately and completely after opening.
The vials should be opened under water or the content of the cup(s) should be
poured into the water. In both cases mix the water containing the vaccine well before
use. After reconstitution the suspension looks clear. Measure the correct volume of
water for the number of birds to be vaccinated (see below). All containers used
should be clean and free from any traces of detergent or disinfectant. Mix thoroughly
with a clean stirrer, ensuring that all vials used are emptied. Offer to birds
immediately.
For reconstitution, use clean cold water, in which chlorine or metals can neither be
tasted nor smelled. Where water sanitisers are used consult the marketing
authorisation holder’s technical staff. Chlorine at levels as low as 1 ppm is known to
have a detrimental effect on vaccine virus stability, therefore the use of liquid
skimmed milk is recommended to prolong the life of the virus. This may be added to
the water at the rate of 500 ml (approximately 1 pint) per 10 litres of water. After
mixing well, the solution should be allowed to stand for 15 - 30 minutes before adding
the vaccine. Only skimmed milk should be used, as the fat in whole milk may block
the automatic drinking systems as well as reduce vaccine virus efficacy.
Volumes of water for reconstitution of vaccine
The volume of water for reconstitution depends on the age of the birds and the
management practice.
Simple drinking troughs and fountains
The following are guidelines:
1000 doses per litre per age in days up to a volume of 20 litres per 1000 doses.
For heavy breeds, or in hot weather, the quantity of water may be increased up to 30
litres per 1000 doses. Where the number of birds is between the standard dosages,
the next higher dosage should be used.
Nipple Drinkers
Drinker line management is known to have a significant effect on the viability of live
vaccine virus. The vaccine virus can deteriorate very rapidly and it is essential to
ensure that all birds received the correct dose. Special care should be observed
concerning the method of administration. For example, small header tanks may
require recharging with medicated water several times during a 1 - 2 hour period.
Vaccination programme
Birds, which should be at least 10 days of age, should be given a single vaccination.
The optimum age for vaccination may be calculated using the level of maternal
antibody in the chicks at day old (Kouwenhovens formula), but normally lies in the
range 12 - 18 days. Further information is available from the marketing authorisation
holder’s technical staff.
Administration
Water should be withheld before vaccination. For recommendations see below
under Management. Ensure that all medicated water is consumed within 1 - 2 hours.
Turn on mains water when all the vaccine water has been consumed. Always make
sure that there is food available when vaccinating. Birds will not drink if they have no
food to eat.
Management
Great care should be taken to ensure that all birds receive a full dose of vaccine
when the product is administered. When used in chickens where maternal antibody
still exists, the way in which this vaccine is administered is critical. The following
points have been found to improve vaccine "take":
1. Water withholding should be kept to a minimum, especially in broiler birds.
Approximately half an hour is all that is required if the following management
techniques are used.
2. Try to vaccinate at a time when birds are likely to be drinking, e.g. morning time
for broilers, when food is in the food tracks.
3. Turn the lights down low when the water is turned off. For bell drinkers, go round
the house emptying and cleaning the drinkers during the half-hour lights low period.
Mix up the vaccine according to the recommendations, and towards the end of the
half-hour water withholding period, go round all the drinkers filling each with water
containing vaccine. Leave the house and turn the light up. The increased light
intensity will stimulate the birds to look for water and food. Therefore, it is important
that food is available or the birds will not be interested in drinking. In some cases, it
helps to run food tracks at the time the light intensity is increased.
4. For nipple lines a substantial volume of residual water may remain in the lines
after the half-hour water withholding/dark period. It is advisable to drain the lines and
prime with vaccine loaded water before allowing the birds to have access to the
drinker lines. Mix up the vaccine and apply to the header tank(s). Calculate the
volume of water that is left in the tank below the outlet valve and make sure you add
extra vaccine to this volume of water. For example, if 10 litres remains below the
outlet pipe and you are using 10 litres/1000 birds to vaccinate, add one extra vial of
vaccine when mixing up vaccine for that tank. The use of this extra vaccine is
important.
5. Once the vaccine has been consumed, resume management practices as
normal. This approach to vaccination will ensure a more even vaccination of the crop
and will be less stressful to the birds. Performance should therefore be less
adversely affected.