In-ovo Vaccination and Cocci Control in Broilers
By Katherine Gillett BVSc MRCVS
n-ovo vaccine technology has been around for several years and isa proven method of delivering vaccines safely and effectively. Specialised equipment is required in hatcheries to deliver vaccines via this route so it is not available to everyone, however it offers significant advantages over conventional vaccination techniques and as time goes on it is likely that more and more vaccines will be delivered this way. The advantages come about due to fast and individual dosing of vaccines without any manual handling. Vaccines can be given very well through drinking water on the farm but there are many factors which can adversely affect good vaccine uptake, additionally optimal timing can be difficult to achieve.
New to the market is a cocci vaccine that is licensed to be given In-ovo. This is the first and
only live attenuated vaccine against coccidiosis in chickens specifically developed for in-ovo
administration. There have been reports from the manufacture of a significant improvement
in performance from birds with in-ovo cocci vaccine over spraying at day old, thought to be
due to more accurate dosing of birds. The vaccine is given at transfer, 18.5 days, into the
amniotic fluid around the developing chick. This is then ingested by the chick and will give
effective cocci protection until 60+ days of age. The vaccine contains live attenuated strains
of Eimeria tenella, acervulina, maxima and praecox.
Why do we need cocci vaccines in broilers?
Coccidiosis is an important poultry disease and poor control affects performance of birds.
Control is achieved with the use of coccidiostats which have been around since the 1950’s.
The coccidiostats we use in the feed are rotated to give good control but still, resistance is
widespread. We need to use coccidiostats, as elimination of cocci from the environment is
impossible, but there are no new coccidiostats being developed and resistance is a
worldwide problem. A rotational programme of cocci vaccine on a yearly basis with
coccidiostats may help us to achieve better long-term control by resting drugs to restore
sensitivity and delivering improvements in performance at the same time.
One to watch!
Mycoplasma in Layers: A Hidden Risk You Can’t Afford to Miss
By Samantha Searle BSc (Hons) MSc
Mycoplasma infections don’t always announce themselves but their impact on flock health, egg production and profitability can be significant. That is why routine surveillance is recommended and is an essential component of any effective flock health and biosecurity programme.
Mycoplasma gallisepticum is commonly associated with respiratory disease, reduced weight gain and drops in egg production. Mycoplasma synoviae, while often subclinical can lead to eggshell abnormalities, joint infections and overall reduced flock efficiency. In both cases, affected birds may appear healthy, allowing the organism to spread undetected within and between flocks.
For surveillance, testing should be proactive and structured, rather than reactionary and
testing only when there is a problem. In practice this means routine sampling at key
production stages; for example, pre-transfer, pre-lay, at intervals through the laying cycle or
when a new flock is introduced on multi-age sites. If you would like to review your current
monitoring plan, our experienced veterinarians are here to support you.
They work closely with our laboratory, which offers multiple test options tailored to your
needs, ranging from antibody-based tests such as ELISAs or molecular methods such as
PCR. ELISA is well suited to flock-level surveillance, while PCR is well suited to confirming
active infection or investigating clinical signs. Both can be easily selected from our Serology
and PCR submission forms located at www.newbridgescientific.com. Getting the right test at
the right time is something our vets and laboratory work through together and that joined-
up approach faster and more informative results.
Salmonella Samples to the Laboratory Over Easter 2026
Due to Bank Holidays on Good Friday (3 April 2026) and Easter Monday (6 April 2026), there will be no Royal Mail collections or deliveries to Newbridge Scientific (Sheriff Hutton & Edinburgh)Please send Salmonella samples by Wednesday, 1 April to meet the 4-day testing window. Newbridge Edinburgh will still process samples and report results over the Easter weekend. For queries, call 01347 820366 ☎️.
Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF) 2026
You can now apply for Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF) 2026, applications opened on 17 March 2026. FETF 2026 includes 3 grants to help you buy equipment or technology to: Improve productivity, Manage slurry and Improveanimal health and welfare. The Grant value: Between £1,000 and £25,000 per theme are available. The application window is open for 6 weeks and will close at midday on Tuesday 28th April 2026. More information can be found: gov.uk. Fetf 2026
Upcoming Events
British Pig & Poultry Fair will NEC, Birmingham on Wednesday 13th and Thursday 14th May 2026
Come and meet the PHS team at the event on stand 6-460. See you there!!
Free entry – click here to register your interest for the 2026 Fair