Extended Salmonella Protection for Laying Hens with AviPro Salmonella Duo
Laying hen farmers now have enhanced protection against Salmonella for their flocks with the AviPro Salmonella Duo vaccine, following recent approval for an extended vaccination schedule. Pharmaceutical company Elanco announced the update, offering greater flexibility in safeguarding poultry health and food safety.
Addressing the Needs of Modern Poultry Farming
The AviPro Salmonella Duo vaccine has been a trusted tool in poultry farming for fifteen years, protecting against Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) and Salmonella Typhimurium (ST). The updated schedule responds to the growing trend of farmers keeping hens in lay for longer periods, increasing the need for sustained immunity.
New Four-Dose Vaccination Schedule
The approval introduces a fourth dose administered during the laying period, around the 50th week of life. This addition significantly extends the vaccine’s protective window:
- Protection against S. Enteritidis: Extended to 100 weeks of age (50 weeks after the last vaccination).
- Protection against S. Typhimurium: Extended to 94 weeks of age (44 weeks after the last vaccination).
Zero-Day Withdrawal Period Ensures Supply Chain Continuity
A key benefit of this approval is the zero-day withdrawal period following the fourth vaccination. This means farmers can administer the dose without interrupting egg or meat production, ensuring a seamless supply chain.
The Importance of Salmonella Control
Salmonella is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. Controlling Salmonella is crucial for producing safe and healthy food. Globally, salmonellosis is responsible for approximately 59,000 deaths annually and is linked to half of all foodborne disease outbreaks requiring hospitalization 1. Within the European Union, member states aim to preserve Salmonella prevalence in laying hen flocks below 2% annually.
A Holistic Approach to Salmonella Management
Effective Salmonella control requires a comprehensive and integrated approach, with vaccination as a core component. A successful plan includes:
- Thorough cleaning and disinfection of poultry houses.
- Additional diagnostics to identify risk areas.
- Robust biosecurity measures to prevent introduction, and spread.
- Vaccines providing strong and long-lasting protection against both S. Enteritidis and S. Typhimurium.
Vaccination significantly raises the threshold for Salmonella infections. Continued vaccination, as part of an integrated strategy, has contributed to the low prevalence rates observed in European countries. Maintaining safe food supplies and protecting the industry’s reputation are key drivers for ongoing Salmonella control.
1Elanco Farm Animal – AviPro Salmonella Duo