Infectious Bronchitis Hatchery Vaccination: Comparison between Traditional Spray Administration and a Newly Developed...

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Virology
• Poultry Health Management
• Animal Immunology

Background:

• Infectious bronchitis (IB) control is critical in intensive broiler farming, relying on biosecurity and vaccination.
• Hatchery spray vaccination, while common, may negatively impact chick body temperature and wellbeing.
• Gel administration is an emerging alternative for IBV vaccination, showing promise in experimental studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy and physiological impact of IBV spray versus gel vaccination in field conditions.
• To evaluate the effect of vaccination method on chick body temperature and vaccine uptake.
• To assess viral shedding and serological responses following spray and gel IBV vaccination.

Main Methods:

• One hundred broiler chicks were vaccinated with 793B and Mass IBV vaccines, half via spray and half via gel.
• Rectal temperature was measured post-vaccination; vaccine intake was assessed.
• Chicks were housed for 35 days, with swabs and blood collected for molecular analysis and serology.

Main Results:

• Spray-vaccinated chicks exhibited significantly lower rectal temperatures post-administration compared to gel-vaccinated chicks.
• Similar 793B vaccine titres were observed in both groups; Mass vaccine showed later detection but longer persistence in gel-vaccinated chicks.
• No significant differences were found in mean antibody titres between the spray and gel vaccination groups.

Conclusions:

• Gel administration of IBV vaccines is as effective as spray vaccination in broiler chicks.
• Gel vaccination has a less pronounced impact on chick body temperature compared to spray vaccination.
• Gel administration presents a favorable alternative for IBV vaccination, potentially improving chick wellbeing.