Prevention and Control of Livestock and Poultry Diseases:
Vaccination is a key preventive measure against various diseases affecting livestock and poultry. It helps build immunity in animals and reduces the risk of disease outbreaks. However, vaccination should always be paired with good hygiene and management practices to be effective. Below are some important points regarding vaccination schedules and general control measures for livestock and poultry diseases:
Vaccination and Control for Livestock Diseases
Cattle and Buffaloes:
Vaccination is critical in protecting cattle and buffaloes against infectious diseases. Below is a typical vaccination schedule:
Disease | Age at First Dose | Booster Dose | Subsequent Doses |
Foot and Mouth Disease | 4 months and above | 1 month after first dose | Every 6 months |
Haemorrhagic Septicaemia (HS) | 6 months and above | None | Annually (endemic areas) |
Black Quarter (BQ) | 6 months and above | None | Annually (endemic areas) |
Brucellosis | 4-8 months (female calves only) | Once in a lifetime | None |
Theileriosis | 3 months and above | None | Once in a lifetime (for crossbred/exotic cattle) |
Anthrax | 4 months and above | None | Annually (endemic areas) |
Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR) | 3 months and above | 1 month after first dose | Every 6 months (vaccine not currently produced in India) |
Rabies (Post-bite therapy only) | Immediately after suspected bite | 4th day, 7, 14, 28, and 90 days after first dose | Optional |
Important Vaccination Points:
- Ensure animals are in good health before vaccination.
- Maintain the cold chain to preserve the quality of vaccines.
- Vaccinate a minimum of 80% of the population for effective disease control.
- Deworm animals 2-3 weeks before vaccination to enhance immune response.
- Avoid vaccination of animals in advanced pregnancy unless absolutely necessary.
Vaccination for Sheep and Goats:
A comprehensive vaccination schedule helps protect sheep and goats from diseases like Peste Des Petits Ruminants (PPR), Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), and others.
Disease | First Vaccination | Regular Vaccination |
PPR (Peste Des Petits Ruminants) | 3 months and above | Once every 3 years |
Enterotoxaemia | 4 months for vaccinated dams; 1 week for non-vaccinated dams | Before monsoon; Booster after 15 days |
Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) | 4 months and above | Twice annually (Sept & March) |
CCPP (Contagious Caprine Pleuropneumonia) | 3 months and above | Annually (January) |
Haemorrhagic Septicaemia (HS) | 6 months and above | Annually before monsoon |
Anthrax | 6 months and above | Annually (in affected areas) |
Black Quarter (BQ) | 6 months and above | Annually before monsoon |
Goat Pox | 3 months and above | Annually (December) |
Prevention and Control of Poultry Diseases
General Practices:
- Regularly change litter material.
- Maintain clean feeding troughs and waterers.
- Separate young birds from older ones.
- Regular deworming of chicks is essential.
- Proper waste disposal and use of suitable insecticides for litter.
- Maintain cleanliness of the farm environment and avoid reusing contaminated litter.
Specific Control Measures:
- Ensure proper sanitation of water and feed supplies to avoid contamination.
- Adopt an area-specific vaccination schedule based on the farm’s location.
- Prevent rodent infestations through traps or chemical techniques.
- Clean and disinfect sheds thoroughly between batches of poultry.
- Control foot traffic and implement foot baths with disinfectants.
- Ensure proper disposal of dead birds through incineration or pit burial.
Vaccination Schedules for Broilers and Layers: Broilers:
Day | Vaccine | Route |
0 | Marek’s Disease Vaccine (HVT) | S/C 0.2ml |
1st | Ranikhet Disease Vaccine | O/N |
2nd | Infectious Bronchitis Vaccine | O/N |
3rd | Infectious Bursal Disease Vaccine (Gumboro) | O/N |
4th | Booster RD La Sota Vaccine | Water |
- Layers:
Day | Vaccine | Route |
0 | Marek’s Disease Vaccine (HVT) | S/C 0.2ml |
1st | Ranikhet Disease Vaccine | O/N |
2nd | Leechi Disease Vaccine | Water |
2-3rd | Infectious Bursal Disease Vaccine | O/N or water |
3-4th | Infectious Bronchitis Vaccine | O/N or water |
4-5th | IB Vaccine Booster | Water |
Common Reasons for Vaccination Failure:
- Improper Cold Chain Maintenance: Vaccines must be stored and transported at recommended temperatures to maintain their efficacy.
- Poor Immune Response: Weak or poorly fed animals may not respond well to vaccines.
- Insufficient Herd Immunity: Inadequate vaccination coverage may allow diseases to spread.
- Poor Quality of Vaccines: Vaccines can lose effectiveness if exposed to temperature fluctuations.
- Ineffective Vaccine Strains: Some vaccines may be less effective due to variation in the pathogen strains (e.g., Foot and Mouth Disease).
